JOHANNESBURG – Tensions are rising in South Africa’s e-hailing industry as frustrated e-hailing drivers gathered outside Uber’s offices in Parktown on Tuesday to protest changes that they say are drastically cutting into their profits. The protest follows a sharp commission increase by Uber, with drivers claiming that their share has been reduced while operational costs remain high.
Uber driver Florence Mokgwale, who participated in the protest, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the changes that have been implemented by the global ride-hailing giant without adequate consultation with the drivers who keep the service running.
“We are not just workers—we are supposed to be partners,” said Mokgwale. “But Uber is making decisions without involving us. That’s why we are here today.”
At the heart of the protest is Uber’s decision to raise its service commission. Drivers claim they were previously charged a 20% commission for using Uber’s platform. However, this has now reportedly jumped to 50%, a move they say severely affects their income and makes the business unsustainable.
Many e-hailing drivers say they were already struggling with rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, and other overheads. The commission increase has now pushed them to the brink.
“We’re not making enough money anymore,” Mokgwale explained. “After all the deductions—from Uber, fuel, taxes—we’re left with barely anything to take home. That’s not a partnership.”
E-Hailing Drivers Demand Fair Treatment
Monday saw a group of e-hailing drivers submit a formal memorandum of grievances to Uber’s management. Among their demands were lower commissions, greater transparency around new fees or taxes, and a commitment from Uber to engage drivers in meaningful dialogue when major changes are introduced.
The drivers said they were promised a response from Uber by the close of business on Monday, but no communication had been received by the following day. This lack of response further fueled their frustration and led to Tuesday’s demonstration.
Mokgwale said: “We’re not asking for much. We want to be heard. We want to be treated with respect. If Uber sees us as partners, they must act like it. Right now, it feels like they’re just using us.”
One of the key points of contention among e-hailing drivers is a newly introduced charge—described by some as a “tax” or “fee”—which was reportedly implemented without proper explanation or consultation.
“I don’t even understand what this tax is for,” Mokgwale added. “They just added it, and we have no idea how it works or why it’s being taken from our earnings. There was no notice, no meeting, no explanation.”
Drivers are calling for full transparency regarding all deductions made from their fares, and they insist on being part of any future discussions that may affect their income.
This protest is not the first time e-hailing drivers in South Africa have taken a stand against platform operators like Uber and Bolt. Over the past few years, drivers across multiple cities have voiced concerns over shrinking earnings, safety issues, and lack of representation.
Industry experts note that while platforms like Uber offer flexibility and access to income for many South Africans, the gig economy model also leaves drivers vulnerable to unilateral policy changes, such as commission increases and fare adjustments.
“This isn’t just about Uber,” said a representative from a local drivers’ association. “It’s about the broader treatment of e-hailing drivers in this industry. We are essential to the operation, but we have no voice.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, Uber had yet to issue a formal response to the protest or the memorandum submitted by the e-hailing drivers. Calls and emails to the company’s media office have gone unanswered, further exacerbating tensions among drivers who say they feel ignored and disrespected.
The drivers are now calling for intervention from government regulators and transport authorities. They want the Department of Transport and other relevant bodies to step in and ensure fair labor practices are upheld in the e-hailing sector.
“We don’t want to strike, we don’t want to stop working,” Mokgwale said. “But if this continues, we’ll have no choice. Our livelihoods are at stake.”
The Parktown protest highlights the growing dissatisfaction among South Africa’s e-hailing drivers, who feel increasingly marginalized despite being the backbone of the ride-hailing economy. With Uber’s commission increase and a lack of transparent communication, tensions are expected to escalate unless meaningful dialogue takes place.
As the e-hailing industry continues to grow in the country, so too does the need for fair regulation, clear communication, and respectful partnerships between drivers and platforms.
Source- EWN
