ZETA Demands End to Harassment of inDrive, Bolt, and Tap & Go Drivers
The Zimbabwe E-Hailing Transport Association (ZETA) has urged authorities to stop what it describes as arbitrary harassment of e-hailing operators.
The association said it supports regulation but wants enforcement to be fair, consistent and guided by the law.
ZETA Information and Publicity Department representative Thomas Bwakura said drivers should not face excessive enforcement simply because they operate technology-based transport services.
“We are not opposed to regulation. We are opposed to unfair, inconsistent, arbitrary, excessive or discriminatory enforcement,” Bwakura said.
The call comes amid growing tensions between e-hailing drivers and local authority enforcement teams over operating requirements.
Services such as inDrive, Bolt and Tap & Go have become increasingly important in Zimbabwe’s urban transport sector.
Also Read: Harare Council Plans New Policy To Collect Revenue From InDrive And Bolt Drivers
Arrests and Vehicle Impoundments Raise Concerns
According to ZETA, recent arrests, vehicle impoundments and enforcement operations have left many drivers uncertain about their livelihoods.
Bwakura said authorities must follow proper legal procedures when dealing with operators suspected of violating regulations.
“Enforcement must be based on clearly identified legal requirements, due process, proportionality and equal application of the law,” he said.
He acknowledged that passenger transport operators must comply with several requirements.
These include driver compliance, vehicle registration, roadworthiness, certificates of fitness and licensing.
However, ZETA wants these requirements to be applied transparently and consistently across the industry.
Push for National E-Hailing Framework
The association is proposing a National E-Hailing Transport Stakeholder Engagement Platform to address regulatory challenges.
The proposed platform would bring together the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, local authorities, law-enforcement agencies and transport regulators.
E-hailing companies, ZETA and other industry stakeholders would also participate.
Bwakura said the platform could help create a practical and nationally coordinated regulatory framework for the sector.
ZETA is also seeking a Memorandum of Understanding with the Transport Ministry to formalise cooperation between Government and the industry.
The proposed agreement would cover regulatory education, road safety, passenger protection and dispute resolution.
It would also provide a framework for policy development, information sharing and industry development.
ZETA Engages Harare Mayor
The association has formally approached Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume over the operating environment facing e-hailing drivers in the capital.
ZETA wants clearer responsibilities between central Government, local authorities, regulators, police, technology platforms and industry representatives.
Bwakura said clearer roles would help reduce confusion and prevent unnecessary clashes during enforcement operations.
He also called for comprehensive e-hailing legislation and nationally coordinated operating standards.
The association wants both drivers and enforcement officers to receive proper education on the applicable regulations.
Drivers Urged to Remain Calm
Despite its concerns, ZETA urged its members not to confront authorities during enforcement operations.
“Operators are urged not to obstruct lawful enforcement officers, unlawfully resist arrest or engage in confrontation,” Bwakura said.
He also called on enforcement officials to remain professional, restrained and proportionate when carrying out their duties.
ZETA believes disputes should be resolved through established mechanisms rather than confrontations on the streets.
Industry Seeks Recognition in Transport Policy
Bwakura said e-hailing has grown into an important part of Zimbabwe’s urban transport network.
The sector provides employment and business opportunities while giving passengers additional transport options.
He said its importance also extends to tourism, business travel and investment.
Visitors, businesspeople and investors can use technology-enabled transport services to move around urban centres.
ZETA therefore wants e-hailing to be formally incorporated into Zimbabwe’s wider transport policy and regulatory planning.
The association said it remains willing to work with Government and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable regulatory framework.
“Our objective is not confrontation. Our objective is to build a safe, regulated, professional, inclusive and sustainable e-hailing transport industry that protects drivers, passengers, the public interest and Zimbabwe’s economic development objectives,” Bwakura said.
He said the industry should not be forced to choose between operating without clear regulation and facing constant conflict with authorities.
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