Uber Prices Spikes Up In South Africa Due To Strike

Commuters who use Uber and Bolt, two e-hailing services, have gone to social media to vent their displeasure with the three-day nationwide strike, which is likely to affect 50,000 to 70,000 drivers when they turn off their apps.

Among the services that will be unavailable until Thursday are Uber Eats, Mr D, and InDriver.

Some users have expressed concern that the strike will disrupt their travel plans, while others have stated that they support the strike because if the drivers’ issues are addressed, they will be paid appropriately and commuters and drivers’ safety will be guaranteed.

Others complained about a significant “increase” in fares.

Drivers want the government to regulate their industry to ensure fair pricing, accountability and proper vetting of drivers.

On Monday, Gauteng MEC for transport Jacob Mamabolo called on drivers to suspend the strike. He warned it could lead to instability in the transport sector.

The MEC’s request fell on deaf ears as Private Public Transport Association founder Vhatuka Mbelengwa told TimesLIVE on Monday the strike will continue as planned while they meet the MEC.

He said there is ongoing exploitation of drivers and the industry needs government intervention.

“The MEC is trying to deter us from going on strike, but we are not going to do that. However, we will honour the meeting.

“Pricing in the sector has been a gripe for a long time. Pricing is the reason there has been violence,” he said.

Mbelengwa said the drivers expect criminal incidents while they are on strike and have established a central WhatsApp group where these will be reported.

Here’s a glimpse of the responses shared on social media: