The Department of Roads and Transport has welcomed the commencement of the mediation process between the Gauteng e-Hailing Partners Council (GEPCO) and e-hailing technology companies, Uber and Bolt.
Scheduled to take place on 02 and 03 August 2022, the mediation process follows a series of engagements between the Department and affected parties to find sustainable and amicable solutions to their challenges. These range from pricing, security, fare structuring as well as downgrading of vehicles, amongst others. 
MEC Jacob Mamabolo said the Department recognises the important role played by the e-hailing industry in the transport sector and called on affected parties to give the mediation process a chance.
"We applaud all parties for agreeing to participate in this process. We look forward to a fruitful mediation process where all parties will cooperate to ensure successful resolution to all issues. The Department values GEPCO as an important stakeholder in the e-hailing industry and encourages all public transport stakeholders and partners to work with them.
"We need to continue instilling a culture of negotiations in the public transport sector and spare the public incidences of violence and disruptions. These discussions are crucial to our #SmartMobility vision of integrating all modes of public transport to provide an efficient, safe, reliable and sustainable transport system in the province," Mamabolo said.
The MEC added the Department's mission of creating a seamless, integrated transport system requires that there be peace and stability. 
"Successful integration of all public transport systems requires us to work together to find innovative ways to resolve issues and minimise violence in the sector. It is through negotiations that we can achieve that, and we are hopeful the mediation process will be successful," he added.
The mediation process comes after partner-drivers embarked on a three-day protest earlier this year. They were appealing for government intervention and use the law to protect them from alleged exploitation.