“Uber and Bolt Drivers Plan Massive National Shutdown Over Poor Earnings in South Africa
“Uber and Bolt Drivers Plan Massive National Shutdown in SA
Date: 22 July 2025
By: Urban Street Culture News Desk
South African News | Transport | Labour
South Africa is bracing for a massive transport disruption as e-hailing drivers representing Uber, Bolt, and other platforms prepare to embark on what is being dubbed the “Mother of All Strikes.” The strike, announced by the National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA), is expected to affect thousands of commuters across major cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria.
With coordination efforts already underway, the looming protest reflects years of growing frustration among drivers who say their incomes have shrunk while the platforms continue to thrive.
A Boiling Point Reached
NEFSA President Elijah Uhuru Lekgowane confirmed that a nationally coordinated shutdown is being planned in response to what he calls “unsustainable working conditions, shrinking earnings, and unjust platform practices.”
“Drivers can’t continue under the current circumstances,” said Lekgowane. “We’ve seen a 35% slashing of fares since 2016, and now drivers are being deactivated without due process. This is unsustainable.”
According to Lekgowane, many e-hailing drivers now sleep in their cars, working 15–18-hour days just to cover basic expenses. Most are self-employed but under platform control, dealing with high commission fees, vehicle maintenance costs, and fuel prices that erode any hope of profit.
“Uber and Bolt Drivers Plan Massive National Shutdown in SA
Demands from NEFSA
The upcoming strike isn’t just about protesting—it’s about delivering a clear set of demands to both government and private tech giants that operate e-hailing services in South Africa.
NEFSA has issued the following demands:
-
Restructure the pricing index to ensure drivers earn a living wage
-
Stop unjust driver deactivations and restore accounts suspended without proper procedure
-
Review vehicle age restrictions—drivers are forced to retire financed vehicles after five years
-
Increase transparency and accountability from Uber, Bolt, and similar platforms
-
Immediate government intervention and regulation of the e-hailing industry
“Right now, we are running a charity. These platforms grow and profit while we suffer. If we can’t make earnings, these companies shouldn’t either,” said Lekgowane.
The Economic Strain on Drivers
Drivers allege that fares have dropped dramatically since 2016, while commissions taken by Uber and Bolt remain high—often ranging from 20% to 25% per ride. Additionally, drivers shoulder the full cost of fuel, vehicle insurance, repairs, and other operational needs.
A driver in Johannesburg told UrbanStreetCulture.co.za,
“I made R6,000 this week, but after petrol, car payments, and Uber’s cut, I’m left with maybe R1,500. That’s not even rent.”
Many have fallen into debt, while others are relying on loan sharks and second jobs to survive.
Government Under Fire
NEFSA has not only placed blame on the companies but has also sharply criticized the South African government for its inaction and alleged collusion with multinational e-hailing platforms.
“Our government seems to be conniving with these companies. They allow them to operate without regulation while our people suffer,” Lekgowane stated.
Drivers argue that local transport laws haven’t been updated to protect gig workers, even though platforms like Uber and Bolt have become essential services in many urban areas.
What Commuters Should Expect
While no exact strike date has been announced, NEFSA has confirmed that it will be nationwide, and every province will participate—a first for the movement.
In previous years, strikes were often localized and sporadic, but this new effort involves national coordination among driver unions, with strategic planning meetings already underway.
Commuters in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape are being urged to seek alternative transport options in the coming days.
Affected Services:
Bolt Economy, Bolt XL
InDrive, DiDi, Maxim and other regional players
The disruption could also impact food delivery apps such as Uber Eats and Mr D, as many delivery drivers also work under similar conditions.
What’s Next?
NEFSA insists that if their demands are ignored, they will not back down. This is no longer just a labour dispute—it’s a national movement for justice in the gig economy.
“Previously, provinces acted alone,” said Lekgowane. “This time, we’re united. We won’t say the strike is tomorrow, but what I can guarantee is: it’s coming.”
This historic action could reshape how gig work is regulated in South Africa. With unemployment still high and digital platforms dominating transport, the government will face growing pressure to respond—or risk a nationwide transport crisis.