The KwaZulu-Natal E-hailing Council and the Phoenix Taxi Association (PTA) have committed to collaborative engagement following the recent assault of an e-hailing driver in Phoenix. The incident has intensified longstanding tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers, threatening the stability of the local public transport sector.
In response to the escalating friction, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport convened an emergency meeting in Stonebridge, Phoenix, last Tuesday. The closed-door session was aimed at easing hostilities and addressing reports of systemic harassment. Both parties agreed to a schedule of regular engagements beginning in March to foster peaceful coexistence.
KZN E-hailing Council Secretary-General, Sithembiso Khanyezi, emphasised that the priority is safety and decisive police action.
He said: “The formula we are trying to establish through this meeting is to ensure that no further attacks or intimidation are directed at e-hailing drivers.”
As a primary concession, it was agreed that e-hailing operators would utilise designated pick-up and drop-off points located away from established taxi ranks. Phoenix Taxi Association representative, Ravi Venketsamy, stated that while the association does not condone violence, they remain concerned about “offline” drivers.
He said: “The association does not condone the assault of the e-hailing driver, but our concern lies with individuals operating outside recognised e-hailing apps, whom we claim are affecting taxi business.”
The diplomatic efforts follow a harrowing incident on Saturday, 14 February, involving a Bolt driver near Phoenix Plaza. E-hailing drivers subsequently gathered outside the Phoenix Police Station to demand justice.
Council PRO, Mzo Ngcobo, provided a detailed account of the alleged attack.
He said: “One of our drivers was assaulted after responding to a request from Palmview. Three men stopped him, and one allegedly pulled the handbrake before assaulting him inside the vehicle. They told the driver he was not permitted to load or off-load passengers in the area.”
Ngcobo further alleged that the driver was forcibly taken to a local taxi association office, confined to a small room and subjected to further assault.
He added: “Members of the taxi association allegedly demanded R5,000 for the return of the driver’s vehicle and keys which had been confiscated. E-hailing drivers have the legal right to operate anywhere and should not be forced to pay to work.”
The Provincial Government has taken a stern stance on the matter. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, issued a directive to harmonise relations and uphold the rule of law.
MEC Duma said: “We condemn this attack, extortion and any form of intimidation against Bolt drivers and all participants in the e-hailing industry. In KZN, no area should be declared a ‘no-go zone’ for e-hailing drivers, and their assault or murder will not be tolerated.”
The MEC confirmed that a dedicated team is now mandated to:
• Harmonise relations between e-hailing and taxi operators.
• Strengthen traffic enforcement and law and order.
• Implement e-hailing regulations under the amended National Land Transport Act.
Departmental spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya, expressed optimism, noting that both bodies will now form part of official regulatory processes. Meanwhile, Vassie Govender of the Voice of Phoenix (VOP) warned that the crisis extends to scholar transport, where women drivers are reportedly facing similar extortion attempts.
He said: “Previous attempts by VOP to negotiate solutions with stakeholders have been unsuccessful. We require stronger law-enforcement intervention to restore unity in this fragmented industry.”
