E-hailing companies have expressed their support for driver safety, as some drivers set out to down tools on Tuesday. Drivers across the Western Cape plan to “stay away” from operating to shed more light on a list of grievances they have – with the principle concern being their safety in and around Cape Town.

READ MORE: E-hailing drivers plan stay-away amid spate in violence

E-hailing company, Bolt, has expressly supported the driver’s protest, noting that it condemns any violence and intimidation towards drivers. East and Southern Africa Manager, Takura Malaba, says the crimes against drivers are of national concern and that Bolt will continue working with police to ensure drivers’ safety.

“As always, we are compassionate towards drivers’ safety concerns and the safety of drivers is of paramount importance to us.”

The company further highlighted its in-app safety features, and insurance options for drivers to utilise.

At the same time, Uber says it’s looking to update the in-app screening of riders, especially for people requesting cash rides, so as to make it more rigorous. The company says its “piloting the verification of identification documents of new cash riders”.

Safety is not the only grievance

One of the other concerns that the Western Cape E-Hailing Association (which acts as representative for drivers in the province) had was the “unilateral” and “unfair” deactivation of driver accounts, which is similar to that of dismissal, the association says.

“App companies continue to have the upper hand in exploiting drivers through their unfair competing methods and exploitative business models.”

Uber, however says the deactivation of driver accounts are in compliance with “Community Guidelines”, in which fraudulent and discriminatory behaviour, as well as theft and sexual assault lead to the “immediate loss of access to the app”.

“We have a comprehensive approach that includes frequent roundtables with drivers who opt-in to the meetings where we discuss specific topics and get feedback for current and future features with drivers.”