Bophuthatswana Civil Movement Stands with E-Hailing Drivers
Media Release
Statement For immediate Release
Tuesday, 08 September 2026
The Bophuthatswana Civil Movement expresses its concern about the continued impounding of vehicles used by e-hailing drivers in Mahikeng, North West Province. Many of these drivers are young people working to earn an honest living in an economy where employment and enterprise opportunities remain severely limited. We recognise the importance of law enforcement and regulatory compliance. However, enforcement measures must be lawful, fair, transparent and proportionate. Vehicle impoundments must not be used to intimidate, harass or unfairly target e-hailing drivers. We therefore call on the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management to engage meaningfully with drivers, operators and other relevant stakeholders to resolve outstanding licensing, permitting and regulatory challenges.
The Movement is also concerned that valuable law-enforcement resources may be directed towards e-hailing drivers while communities continue to face serious challenges associated with drug trafficking and organised crime in Mahikeng and elsewhere in the province. The fight against criminal syndicates must remain a priority, and law-enforcement agencies must act decisively against conduct that threatens the safety and well-being of our communities. Residents remain deeply concerned about the ongoing sale and distribution of drugs in and around the Bradford Park taxi rank, which is situated in close proximity to Mahikeng Police Station. Perhaps that’s where the focus should be.
The Bophuthatswana Civil Movement calls on the North West Provincial Government through relevant department(s) to:
1. Immediately review all vehicle impoundments involving e-hailing drivers and ensure that every enforcement action is lawful, properly motivated and proportionate.
2. Engage directly with e-hailing drivers and their representatives to address licensing, permits and other regulatory concerns through a transparent and accessible process.
3. Publish clear and consistent enforcement guidelines so that drivers understand their rights, responsibilities and available remedies.
4. Prioritise the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime, including the concerns raised about drug activity in the vicinity of the Bradford Park taxi rank, rather than directing disproportionate enforcement towards young people pursuing legitimate livelihoods.
5. Develop practical employment and enterprise opportunities that enable young people to support themselves with dignity instead of relying on limited social assistance in the absence of viable alternatives.
6. Apply the law consistently and without discrimination in relation to all businesses, operators and individuals, while ensuring that allegations of fraudulent or expired documentation are investigated through lawful and impartial procedures.
7. Strengthen accountability and service delivery across the provincial administration, including by ensuring that public officials understand and respond to the needs of the communities they serve. North West continues to face an unemployment crisis, with young people bearing a disproportionate share of its effects. In these circumstances, efforts by young people to create livelihoods should be supported through fair regulation and constructive engagement—not unnecessarily obstructed.
We urge the people of North West to remain informed, engaged and vigilant in holding public representatives accountable. Political support must be earned through effective service delivery, ethical leadership and respect for the constitutional rights and dignity of all residents.
The Bophuthatswana Civil Movement remains committed to peaceful advocacy, constructive public engagement and the protection of the dignity and livelihoods of e-hailing drivers and all working people in North West.
ENDS
Issued by:President Kagiso Monyadiwa
Bophuthatswana Civil Movement
For media enquiries:
Modise Mabeko
National Communication Director
Cell no: 0814956126
Email: mmabeko@bcm.org.za