South Africas e-hailing industry is on a fast track, with an annual growth rate of 5.26% . However, safety concerns could act as a speed bump on this growth trajectory. While the recently signed National Land Transport Act (NLTA) empowers the transport minister to introduce safety measures, real progress requires a collaborative effort. E-hailing operators, passengers, drivers, law enforcement, and the government all have a role to play in creating a safe and secure ride-sharing environment.
This is according to Ashif Black, Business Development Specialist for Africa at inDrive Africa. He, together with Chris Hlabisa, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Transport , Brigadier Arikum Veeshani from the South African Police Service (SAPS), and General Riah Phiyega (ret.), CEO of the Safer South Africa Foundation , recently spoke at a recent event on the state of safety in the e-hailing industry.
Black emphasised that collaborative efforts are crucial across several areas to improve safety, These include strengthening government regulations and enforcement efforts, encouraging the reporting of unsafe situations, developing and promoting safety education programmes for both drivers and passengers, and leveraging technology to enhance safety features within e-hailing apps.
Safer rides start with policies and policing
He commended the Ministrys dedication to transportation safety and specifically praised the measures outlined in the recent Budget Vote Speech , such as the introduction of 24/7 visible traffic law enforcement. This, combined with improved road infrastructure and peace with the taxi industry will create a thriving e-hailing sector which, in turn, translates to people and goods moving safely, quickly, and affordably across the country - helping to fuel economic growth.
