Minister Barbara Creecy Announces New E-Hailing Rules to Boost Safety & Compliance
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has confirmed that her department will soon publish new regulations aimed at formally incorporating e-hailing services into South Africa’s national regulatory framework.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Creecy said the new measures will require e-hailing operators to obtain official operating licences while ensuring their services meet strict safety and compliance standards.
“These rules establish clear standards for quality and security, support legal compliance, and aim to reduce conflict between operators while improving overall safety,” Creecy explained.
Protecting Drivers and Reducing Violence
Creecy was responding to a question from EFF chief whip Nontando Nolutshungu, who raised concerns about ongoing attacks on e-hailing drivers, including recent violent incidents reported at Maponya Mall in Gauteng.
She stressed that law enforcement agencies were ready to address criminal activity and potential clashes between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers. Creecy also noted that Acting Minister Firoz Cachalia had instructed Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola to develop a deployment plan targeting hotspots to prevent violence.
“The department remains committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure peaceful coexistence between all modes of transport. Government will continue to bring disputing parties to the table for mediation to resolve conflict,” Creecy said.
Workshops and Public Awareness
As part of the regulatory rollout, the Department of Transport is hosting workshops and awareness campaigns to help both operators and commuters understand the updated rules.
“These continuous platforms for dialogue and information-sharing are essential to foster mutual understanding and improved cooperation across the public transport industry, thereby contributing to a more integrated and stable system,” she added.
Root Causes of Conflict
Creecy acknowledged that while regulations play an important role, they cannot fully resolve the tensions between e-hailing and taxi operators. She emphasised that many disputes stem from economic pressures and competition for routes and passengers.
“Conflict can’t be solved by regulation alone. It must also be addressed through mediation, education, and, when necessary, enforcement operations,” she said.
She also noted that in some cases, individuals involved in violent incidents are not officially part of either the taxi industry or e-hailing sector, making proactive policing essential to protect legitimate operators and commuters.
Industry Response
EFF MP Mazwikayise Blose argued that meaningful cooperation between the taxi industry and e-hailing services remains absent, with the recent flare-ups being part of a wider pattern of disputes.
Creecy, however, reaffirmed that the forthcoming regulations represent progress toward a more consistent and transparent framework, while acknowledging that further legislative improvements will likely be needed in future.
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