DA welcomes Uber task team

18 September 2017

Gauteng Premier David Makhura must provide clarity around the special security task team that is being formed to deal with the ongoing conflict between metered taxi drivers and Uber drivers. The conflict is spiraling out of control and is threatening jobs.

The Premier has adhered to my call to step in to address this serious matter as the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismael Vadi, has failed to effectively deal with the ongoing violence.

Although the formation of the task team is a step in the right direction, more clarity is needed around what actions the task team will take to deal with the regulation of the taxi and e-hailing industry. Among other things, we will need clarity on the duration of the investigation, who will form part of the team itself and whether cases of attack will be included in the investigation, as they should be.

The Premier cannot ignore the blatant lawlessness at the root of the conflict.

Uber and other e-hailing services have a lot to contribute towards the provision of public transport and job creation in the province. It is crucial that the conflict between metered taxis and Uber operators be resolved urgently. Another area where MEC Vadi has failed.

I will continue to pressure the Premier and MEC on the matter and have already submitted oral questions about the Uber controversy for the MEC to respond to at the next sitting of the Gauteng Legislature.

Following the implementation of the task team, the DA looks forward to clear outcomes that can make a real difference in the lives of drivers who are at risk while providing for their families.

Issued by Fred Nel, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport, 18 September 2017