Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
3 January 2025 | 13:00 CAT
2 min read

Recent incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of eHailing services, sparking calls for stronger protective measures and improved collaboration between service providers and law enforcement. According to Siyabonga Hlabisa, Chairperson of the Western Cape eHailing Association, one of the primary challenges drivers face is the lack of proper client identification. Hlabisa explained that drivers often pick up unidentified riders without any verification, relying solely on verbal confirmation of their names.

The association is urging app companies to introduce verification measures for passengers similar to those required for drivers. Hlabisa emphasised that just as drivers undergo face verification before going online, passengers should also provide identifiable details to ensure mutual safety. These proposed changes aim to create a safer environment for both drivers and passengers in the eHailing industry.

Key among the proposals is the elimination of cash trips, which Hlabisa says leave drivers vulnerable to theft and attacks. He also highlighted the dangers of sending drivers to high-risk areas, often flagged by the apps with surge pricing, which tempts drivers to accept rides despite the safety risks.

Another pressing concern is the prevalence of fake accounts created by passengers, which are used to request rides and lure drivers into dangerous situations. Hlabisa emphasised that app companies must implement stricter controls to prevent such fraudulent activities.

Addressing the role of the government, Hlabisa called for greater intervention. He said that they have submitted memorandums to the relevant ministers, urging the government to enforce stricter safety standards on app companies. “They need to hold these platforms accountable for creating a safer environment for both drivers and passengers,” he stated.

According to Hlabisa, the harsh reality is that every day, a driver loses their life. Additionally, more than 5 to 10 drivers are robbed daily across various provinces. “Unfortunately, at this current moment with the government side, I think we are facing a very tough time with the SAPS, whereby we feel like we are not really taken seriously as eHailing drivers when we’re reporting such cases. Some drivers are no longer reporting. It’s just a matter of, like, it happened. It happened,” he added.

Drawing from his nine years in the industry, Hlabisa revealed he has survived multiple attempted hijackings and robberies, yet has never received feedback from law enforcement regarding the cases he reported. “I lost my belongings, and nothing came from the authorities—no updates, no recoveries,” he said. “Many of us have stopped reporting incidents because we’ve lost faith in the system.”

Hlabisa also highlighted a distressing trend: communities often fail to support drivers in their time of need. He recounted an incident where a driver, fleeing from an attempted robbery, accidentally struck a pedestrian while reversing. Instead of receiving help, the driver’s car was torched by the community.

He criticised app companies for failing to invest in physical security measures, particularly in high-risk areas. He stated these companies take up to 45% of our earnings as commission, yet they don’t allocate physical security personnel to assist drivers in dangerous situations.

Addressing the contentious issue of cash payments, Hlabisa pointed out that while drivers often prefer cash for immediate fuel expenses, app companies have features like “Wallet” and “Cashout” that allow drivers to access earnings quickly, minimising the need for cash transactions. However, he noted that many criminal groups, known as “Uber Robbers,” now target drivers for their phones rather than cash.

Hlabisa urged app companies to develop specialised devices separate from drivers’ personal phones to enhance safety and reporting capabilities. Drivers lose their phones during robberies, making it impossible to report incidents. He stated that a dedicated device for safety and communication is essential.

As the eHailing industry continues to grow, Hlabisa called on policymakers, app companies, and communities to take decisive action to protect drivers and passengers alike.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Ibrahim Daya and Siyabonga Hlabisa, Chairperson of the Western Cape eHailing Association, here.