E-hailing Association Demands End To Harassment Of Drivers

The Zimbabwe e-Hailing Transport Association (ZETA) has called for an immediate end to what it says is the arbitrary harassment and targeting of e-hailing drivers by the City of Harare and other local authorities.

E-hailing services operating in Zimbabwe include InDrive, Bolt and Tap & Go.

ZETA spokesperson Thomas Bwakura said the association supports regulation of the sector but opposes unfair, inconsistent and excessive enforcement against drivers.

He said recent arrests, vehicle impoundments and enforcement operations had created uncertainty and anxiety among drivers who rely on e-hailing for their livelihoods.

Where a driver is suspected of breaking the law, enforcement must be based on clearly identified legal requirements, due process, proportionality and equal application of the law, he said.

Bwakura said they recognise that passenger transport is subject to various requirements, including driver compliance, vehicle registration, roadworthiness, certificates of fitness and licensing, but regulation should be transparent, fair and proportionate.

He said e-hailing has become an important part of Zimbabwe’s urban transport system, providing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities while improving access to transport for passengers, with implications for tourism, business travel and investment by offering visitors, businesspeople and investors technology-enabled services.

Bwakura called for e-hailing to be incorporated into the country’s broader transport policy and regulatory planning, with clearly defined responsibilities between central government, local authorities, transport regulators, law-enforcement agencies, technology platforms and industry representatives to reduce regulatory uncertainty.

At the same time, he urged members to remain calm and law-abiding during enforcement operations and called on enforcement officials to exercise restraint and act professionally and proportionately.

Among its demands, ZETA wants comprehensive e-hailing legislation, nationally coordinated operating standards, regulatory education for both drivers and enforcement officers, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms.

He said the association is prepared to engage government and other stakeholders to build a properly regulated and sustainable e-hailing industry.