Tshwane Rejects Afrikaans-Only E-Hailing Service Wanatu Amid Controversy

The City of Tshwane has expressed strong disapproval of the Afrikaans-only e-hailing service, Wanatu, which has been operating in the area. This controversy has sparked a debate over language and its role in South Africa’s transport sector, with local authorities raising concerns about its potential to foster division.

On Wednesday, the Tshwane Metro Police Department took action by impounding two vehicles registered on the Wanatu platform. These vehicles were found to be operating without the necessary permits, as required by local regulations. The municipality’s MMC for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, confirmed that another Wanatu vehicle was impounded a few days prior for the same issue.

The issue goes beyond the lack of permits. Mogale strongly criticized the Afrikaans-only nature of the service, calling it “blatant racism” and contrary to the spirit of South Africa’s constitutional democracy. “It is the last thing we should be discussing in this day and age,” Mogale remarked. She also stressed that the city’s disapproval wasn’t about targeting Wanatu specifically, but about upholding national regulations.

In response to the growing backlash, Wanatu’s debut in South Africa has ignited a fierce debate online, with some seeing the platform as a job creation initiative, while others view it as exclusionary. The service, launched in October 2024, operates mainly in Centurion and Pretoria and seeks to promote Afrikaans language and culture within the community.

Tshwane authorities have made it clear that they will not support the operation of Wanatu if it continues to exclude non-Afrikaans speakers. Even if Wanatu submits an application for operating permits, the city remains firm in its stance against what it perceives as discriminatory practices. Mogale emphasized that the matter is under scrutiny, with the Human Rights Commission allegedly involved.

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