Fin24 reports that a number of drivers on e-hailing platforms such as Bolt and Uber embarked on a national strike on Monday, protesting both their pay structures and raising concerns over their safety.

Services on the platforms appeared to still be largely available, although Bolt noted that the protest action had resulted in customers waiting longer than usual for rides across SA's cities. There also seemed to be no national command structure behind the action, with strikes seemingly organised on an ad hoc basis by driver associations in different provinces. The central issues appeared to include the pricing of rides, which drivers claimed were too low, as well as the 25% service fee e-hailing that platforms generally charged. According to one of the posters advertising the protest action in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), it appeared drivers wanted a standard fee of R50 to apply for all trips between 0km and 5km instead of the more variable rate that was applied currently. They were also seeking that the 25% commission that was paid to the e-hailing platforms be reduced to 15%. Additionally, they wanted to introduce a cancellation fee on cash and card trips and the "verification of clients for driver safety against hijacking", including the use of ID numbers when customers uploaded the app. An Uber driver indicated that drivers were finding it "difficult to make a living" and said they were effectively "left with nothing" after paying the 25% commission. Sipho Mabika of the KZN E-Hailing Council, said the protest would last "until further notice", adding that the strike had been "successful" in KZN.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nick Wilson & Tshepiso Motloung at Fin24

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