The City of Tshwane is intensifying efforts to regulate e-hailing services following the impounding of vehicles belonging to Wanatu, a new Afrikaans e-hailing company.
Tshwane metro police confirmed on Wednesday that three Wanatu vehicles were impounded for operating without permits.
The company is also under scrutiny from the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for allegedly only hiring Afrikaans-speaking drivers, which is something authorities have labelled “unacceptable”.
Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) spokesperson Isaac Mahamba said that the impounded cars were found operating without permits in Centurion.
City of Tshwane Transport MMC Tlangi Mogale said: “You cannot operate a public transport business without the required documents.”
Wanatu, which launched in October and serves Centurion and Pretoria, aims to promote the Afrikaans language.
Last month, Uber and Bolt drivers protested impoundments for similar permit issues at Tshwane metro offices.
“We have a meeting set for this coming Friday with e-hailing operators who had marched to the city two weeks ago regarding operating licences. As we had assisted operators who have come to us needing our intervention, we will assist operators who come forward seeking solutions. The city of Tshwane is clear on this,” said Mogale.
Wanatu has announced a temporary suspension of services and vowed to take the matter to court.
“Wanatu service is temporarily suspended due to the illegal actions of the TMPD by illegally impounding our vehicles and intimidation of our drivers. We’re going to court!” the company said.
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