Uber and Bolt drivers in South Africa are calling for higher fares and reduced commission fees, citing mounting pressure from rising global fuel prices.
The demands were made by the National e-hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA), whose members staged app shutdowns in parts of KwaZulu-Natal over concerns including earnings, safety and platform policies.
NEFSA spokesperson Tella Makasale said drivers want a transparent pricing system that automatically adjusts fares in line with fuel price movements, alongside temporary commission cuts during periods of high operating costs.
“Our key demands include a transparent fare adjustment model linked to fuel price fluctuations, reduced commission percentages during high fuel cost periods, inclusion of driver representatives in pricing discussions, and protections against extreme cost volatility,” he said.
Drivers argue that while platforms occasionally introduce fare changes through surge pricing or limited adjustments, these are driven by algorithms and demand rather than reflecting sustained increases in fuel costs. These follows similar taxi driver strikes in Nigeria and Kenya.
Fuel is one of the largest expenses for drivers, and recent price increases have sharply eroded profit margins, forcing many to work longer hours to maintain income levels. Makasale said this has led to declining take-home pay, rising debt—particularly among drivers financing vehicles—and growing dissatisfaction with commission structures.
The federation warned that the situation risks triggering a broader industry fallout, including driver attrition, longer passenger wait times and increased likelihood of protests.
NEFSA said it has previously engaged both companies through protests, shutdowns and formal requests for fare reviews, but described progress as slow and lacking transparency.
“The rising cost of fuel is not just an economic issue. It is a livelihood crisis,” Makasale said. “If fuel prices rise, fares must respond — or the system will fail the people who keep it running.”