2 days ago
Violence in transport sector sparks government response
The Department of Transport has condemned the violence and criminality that claimed the life of an e-hailing driver and left two others injured during an incident at Maponya Mall, Soweto, on Wednesday.
In a statement on Thursday, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa expressed their condolences to the bereaved family and reiterated that such behaviour has no place in South Africa's public transport sector.
'Those responsible must face the full might of the law,' the department said.
ALSO READ: One dead in suspected taxi violence at Maponya Mall
According to reports, violence broke out at the popular Soweto mall, allegedly involving taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.
Gauteng police have since been monitoring a protest by community members outside the shopping centre.
Tackling the root causes of violence
The department said it is working to address the broader challenges affecting the public transport system, with persistent violence at the top of the agenda.
At a meeting held on 25 April 2025, Minister Creecy and leaders of the taxi industry jointly denounced violence and agreed to establish a task team between the National and Gauteng Provincial Departments of Transport.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Community protests after the death and injuries of e-hailing drivers
The team's priority is to fast-track the digitisation of operating licence applications to resolve route encroachment disputes — a major cause of taxi-related violence.
Industry leaders have been asked to reflect on the matter and submit concrete proposals to government.
Reforms and legislation
The Department of Transport is also implementing the National Land Transport Information System (NLTIS), which will link operating licences to the National Traffic Information System (eNATIS) and prevent the unlawful use of a single licence for multiple vehicles.
Meanwhile, legislative changes are paving the way for greater regulation of e-hailing services. In 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law amendments to the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) of 2009, enabling e-hailing operators to apply for licences like other public transport providers.
ALSO READ: Gauteng MEC to visit Maponya Mall to assess ongoing tensions in public transport sector
The President also signed the Transport Appeal Tribunal Amendment Act in June 2024.
The regulations have been approved and are awaiting translation into a second official language before gazetting and implementation.
'This will usher in a new era in the regulation of e-hailing services,' the department said.
