On June 7, 2023, the Soweto United E-hailing Association and the Soweto Taxi Association made a decision to have Uber and Bolt drivers banned from picking or dropping off passengers at any mall in the South African town.
This is following recent altercations between ride-hailing drivers and minibus taxi owners at Maponya Mall and Protea Glen Mall.
The first incdent at Maponya Mall on June 1, 2023 is said to have resulted in the injury of at least two people and the destruction of three ride-hailing vehicles.
Kenny Kunene, a member of the Gauteng Mayoral Committee in charge of transportation, claimed that ride-hailing companies had agreed that their drivers would not enter shopping mall parking lots.
He added that the only exception would be for drivers who transport the elderly and people with disabilities.
While Kunene said the “ban” would only last until today, June 9, 2023, when a follow-up meeting would occur to finalise solutions, the Soweto United E-hailing Association claimed that an agreement existed and would run through September 2023.
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Ride-hailing drivers claimed that the Soweto Taxi Association was behind the attacks. They said owners of the organisation's taxis accuse Bolt and Uber drivers of "stealing" their customers.
Kunene stated that the real problem was rogue operators who pose as ride-hailing drivers, dubbed "maphele" (Sotho for "cockroaches"). These people allegedly approach potential customers at mall exits and pose as Bolt and Uber drivers.
They then offer to take them to their destination for half the price found on any of the apps.
However, the E-hailing Partners Council claimed in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, that the primary cause of the attacks was a lack of regulation in the e-hailing industry, including a recognised system of driver identification.
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