The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has appointed civil law mediator Jenine Khan to help Uber and Bolt find common ground with their driver partners.
The dispute between these e-hailing giants and their driver partners has been going on for some time since they launched the discounted "Go" rides.
Furthermore, the drivers want to be protected in terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and Uber partners were also unhappy about the 25% service fee that the company charges per ride and want to be protected in terms of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
Many driver partners went on strike in March, but the parties have not found a middle ground, and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has decided to intervene.
In a statement, the department said the MEC for Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure Jacob Mamabolo had several meetings with the companies and their driver partners, after which he saw it fit to appoint an independent mediator.
The disagreement became the department's business as it led to disruptions in traffic flow in Johannesburg during the March strike.
"Due to the complexity of the mediation and negotiations, all parties involved agreed that a professionally trained, credible and qualified dispute resolution practitioner should deal with the matter," read Mamabolo's statement.
The MEC said Khan would also engage with metered taxi operators to ensure that their issues are also addressed to create harmony between them and e-hailing service drivers.
Bolt drivers previously reported facing intimidation and harassment from the metered taxi drivers who sometimes went as far as "confiscating" their cars, News24 previously reported.
"I am confident that Advocate Khan is the right person for this important task. She comes with the requisite skills and experience that we believe should help us move the process forward," said Mamabolo.
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