South Africa: E-hailing drivers are likely to strike through at least Sept. 20 in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape provinces

App-based ride-hailing service drivers associated with the Western Cape E-Hailing Association (WCEA) and the KZN E-hailing Council will likely continue their strike through at least Sept. 20. The action, which began Sept. 16, demands higher wages and improved security measures among other things. The measure will probably reduce the availability of app-based ride services like Uber, Bolt, and inDrive in the affected areas. As of Sept. 17, officials with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) have implemented contingency plans to reduce impacts on flight operations at King Shaka International Airport (DUR); however, such contingency measures have yet to be announced for other airports. On Sept. 17, striking workers staged an associated protest near the Western Cape Provincial legislature in Cape Town, though the demonstration did not lead to significant disruptions.

While labor leaders have announced no additional plans for protests, striking drivers could stage gatherings, go-slows, or road blockades as part of their action. Localized traffic disruptions and increased security are likely near any such gatherings that may materialize. Increased demand for alternative transport may lead to increased travel times.