Ride-hailing app legislation almost complete
The Department of Transport says the legislation that will hopefully bring an end the tension and violence between drivers using ride-hailing apps such as Uber and metered taxi drivers is almost complete.
"The outstanding thing on our side is the finalisation of the legislation and it's in its final stages in Parliament. The main element in relation to the matter we are talking to is to ensure we broaden the definition of metered taxis to include what we call e-hailing and what you call app-based service providers," says the department's director-general Mathabatha Mokonyama.
He was speaking outside the home of slain Taxify driver Siyabonga Ngcobo, whose burnt body was found inside his vehicle in Sunnyside last week.
Mokonyama says the legislation will also protect ordinary members when dropping of friends and family.
ALSO READ: Slain Taxify driver’s family believes they have info to track down killers
"We want this space to be properly regulated and obviously this will ensure the app-based public transport are distinguishable so that any unmarked car will be seen as a private person transporting a family member."
Transport Minister Blade Nzimande was expected to meet Ngcobo's family on Friday. However the family requested him to reschedule due to fears of intimidation.
Earlier this week, the family indicated they might have information that could help the police track down the people responsible for the 21-year-old's death.
Police are investigation the circumstances around his death amid reports that it could be connected to the violence between Taxify drivers and metered taxis in Pretoria.