Uber strike hits Johannesburg: What you need to know
Uber Strike in Johannesburg. Picture: Lutsenko Oleksandr/Shutterstock.com
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, over 100 Uber, Bolt, and inDrive drivers staged a coordinated strike across Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city. Their action targeted low earnings and high commission fees while demanding transparent fare policies and stronger industry regulation to safeguard driver welfare.
Why Drivers Are Protesting: Commission and Earnings Crisis
Drivers report that e‑hailing platforms are deducting up to 50% of their fares, leaving net incomes as low as R5,000 per month, barely enough to cover vehicle costs, insurance, fuel, and mobile data. One striking driver expressed:
“The vehicle belongs to us, insurance is from us, fuel is from us… there is nothing that we are getting from these companies.”
Another protest organizer on EWN’s platform noted commission cuts slashed monthly profits from R40,000–R50,000 to below R3,000, pushing many drivers toward insolvency.
Demands: Fair Commission, Clear Fare Structure, Industry Regulation
Strikers have presented a detailed memorandum of demands, including:
- Cap commission rates at below 20%
- Standardize fares at R8 per km, with waiting time allowances of 60 cents per minute
- Grant amnesty for impounded vehicles and costs associated
Furthermore, drivers are calling for formal regulation of the e‑hailing industry, seeking protections comparable to traditional taxi sectors.
Protest at Uber HQ: Disruption in Parktown
On July 15, drivers converged outside Uber’s Parktown offices, creating traffic congestion in northern Johannesburg. Their public action drew attention to the platform’s role in their financial struggles and urge for reform.
A video shared online shows the frustrated drivers chanting slogans while holding protest signs.
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Uber Responds: Open to Dialogue, Asserting Support
Uber’s local team said they “understand concerns over salaries” and are ready to negotiate. The company emphasizes investment in safety tools like in‑app emergency features, Audio Recording, RideCheck, and driver safety checkpoints.
But drivers maintain they’re getting the short end of the stick, and are pressing for binding commitments and enforceable rules.
Broader Context: Gig Economy in Crisis
This strike is the latest in a wave of protests by gig‑workers across South Africa. Drivers have been urging the government to classify e‑hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt under transport regulations, rather than tech startups, addressing issues like commission inequity, safety risks, and wage precarity.
Experts highlight that the current “contractor model” shifts all operational costs and risks onto drivers, leaving them vulnerable and undercompensated.
Potential Impact: Disrupted Mobility and Mounting Pressure
The strike has already impacted rideshare availability in Johannesburg, forcing commuters to seek alternative transport. If the strike escalates, it could stall operations of major platforms and spark a nationwide gig‑economy backlash.
Drivers warn they “will continue to down tools until working terms are renegotiated.”
What’s Next: Negotiations, Regulation, and Resolution
A closed‑door meeting is scheduled between driver representatives, e‑hailing companies, and possibly government officials. Key outcomes to watch:
- Commission cap enforcement (below 20%)
- Government regulation framework to formalize gig labor standards
- Financial restitution or relief for affected drivers (e.g., impound amnesty)
Success in this strike could redefine e‑hailing labor policy in South Africa and pressure platforms globally to reform commission and labor structures.
As the situation develops, commuters should expect continued service disruptions. Stay tuned for updates as negotiations unfold, and learn how this could reshape South Africa’s gig‑economy framework.