By Ntsako Nkolele 
The Department hosted a consultative meeting with representation from the e-Hailing Partners Council (EPCO) to iron out issues faced within e-hailing sector. It was held at Derek Masoek Centre on Wednesday, 15 February 2023. 
EPCO is an industry body launched in April 2022, with a leadership of 16 democratically elected leadership members. It seeks to lobby and negotiate on behalf of its members with government, companies, regulators, government agencies and industry associations. As a body it pushes for the realization of members' interests and plans. 
The council raised concerns and chief amongst them, was the non-acknowledgement of its existence by metered taxis operators. They are regarded as competitors and this has resulted in violent attacks on its members. The violence has left many driver-partners without sources of income as their vehicles have been damaged or burnt, others suffering se[1]rious injuries whilst some have lost their lives. 
EPCO's Treasurer Mr. Mabandla Sambo, also known to many as "Mlilo" is one such survivor. He was attacked, his vehicle burnt and he suffered burns. It was reported the industry has lost driver-partners - women and men - due to a number of circumstances ranging from common crimes, hijacking, beatings leading to fatigue and stress for members. This added to their frustration with e-hailing companies not doing much to assist. They appealed to the Department for intervention and resolution of the conflict with metered taxis sector. 
In 2015, the National Department of Transport (NDoT) provided a response on the issue of having amendments of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) 5 0f 2009. In terms of the NLTA, the view is that e-hailing services should falls squarely within the definition of a service charter.
The Department also informed the council that their recommendations were noted and will revert back and provide feedback.