The Western Cape E-hailing Association (WCEA) is hoping that its recent three-day protest will garner positive feedback, as it pertains to drivers’ working conditions at the Cape Town International Airport.
From Saturday until Monday, some drivers stopped operating at the airport to raise the alarm with the e-hailing companies on the working conditions of their “office”. The drivers have a parking area there, from which they navigate work opportunities.
WCEA chairperson, Siyabonga Hlabisa, says the space at the parking lot does not accommodate all the drivers working there, and as such has led to tensions between drivers. Another grievance is that ablution facilities are unsanitary. Hlabisa adds that there are not even ablution facilities for women drivers. Another point he raised is the security concerns, with insufficient security measures in place, and being closely based to Nyanga.
“We want Uber and Bolt to take charge of this, and make sure that at least they have to upgrade that parking.”
Hlabisa says that the e-hailing companies are aware of this, and have been for some time, but have made empty promises on the matter.
“When they moved us there they promised that they would put cameras there, free Wi-Fi for the drivers, but those things never happened to today.”
He says the Airports Company South Africa is not liable for any of the grievances, and is hopeful that the relevant e-hailing companies will step to the plate since their protest.
Hlabisa says WCEA members will meet soon to discuss a way forward.
All drivers are expected to resume services at the airport on Tuesday.
