The fast-growing e-hailing platform Wanatu — an Afrikaans-focused service — has found itself caught in the crossfire, with its vehicles impounded after drivers were found operating without permits.
Tlangi Mogale the MMC for Transport in Tshwane confirmed that they impounded a Wanatu e-hailing vehicle after the driver failed to produce an operating licence.
“We discovered the company recently and upon further investigation confirmed their operations last week. One of their vehicles was impounded. They sent their lawyer to come and make representations to try and get the vehicle released.
“He could not succeed as he was told that the vehicle didn't have an operating licence. He could not understand and he was referred to the Provincial TOLAB in Tshwane. He then said they were transporting learners in the Centurion area. He was then told that they should apply for learner/scholar transport operating licences.”
Mogale also said that the company is under scrutiny by the Human Rights Commission for allegedly recruiting only Afrikaans-speaking drivers, which she described as unacceptable.
She further stated that her department was also in discussions with the MMC for Community Safety regarding the matter.
This comes after a recent protest by e-hailing drivers, who accused metro police officers of unfairly impounding their vehicles. The incident also sparked a debate on social media, with users accusing the City of Tshwane of turning a blind eye to Wanatu.
@AyandaAllie said: “I knew it! The Afrikaans e-hailing company Wanatu is operating freely, with ZERO permits & NO vehicle impounding whatsoever! But @CityTshwane is taking Uber, inDrive & Bolt cars left, right & centre! Here’s proof @tlangimich please explain yourself!”
“Nobody is surprised. White people have been doing as they please in this country,” said @pshift846
“What's going on? Separate development all over again. While some are trying to convince me, the previous attempt before 1994 was equal,” said @haniefhaider
“Wa phapa and you are ignorant this is a racist operation not meant for blacks, please tell us how many women were raped, give us the figures,” said @Calidonny
“A separate but very important detail, the CEO of Wanatu doesn't even know whether a permit is required to operate e-hailing vehicles. So much for white competence! DEI, @elonmusk and @afriforum,” said @MangenaMhamba
The Mayor of Tshwane Dr Nasiphi Moya also took to X to assure the public that the city enforces by-laws fairly, stating that Wanatu vehicles were also being impounded.
“Impounding operations by TMPD of Wanatu e-hailing vehicles this morning in Centurion. The drivers were operating without permits. We do NOT discriminate when enforcing by-laws in Tshwane. @CityTshwane,” she said.
Launched in October 2024 and currently operating in Centurion and Pretoria, Wanatu is branded as the first Afrikaans-focused transportation service, aiming to create jobs and promote the Afrikaans language within the community.
Since its launch, the app has experienced remarkable growth, surging from 10,000 to an impressive 30,000 subscribers in just one month.
According to the company’s website, this policy aims to restore dignity and create job opportunities for Afrikaans speakers, but it has raised concerns about inclusivity in the job market.
The Star