JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — Uber X is set to be discontinued in South Africa this September, a move that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of e-hailing drivers across the country. According to Tella Masakale, spokesperson for the National E-Hailing Federation of South Africa (NEFSA), the unilateral decision to remove the decade-old, affordable service has left drivers shocked and facing severe economic uncertainty as they struggle to transition to the platform’s remaining service tiers.
For more than ten years, Uber X has served as a recognizable and relatively affordable cornerstone of South Africa’s e-hailing industry, connecting millions of passengers and drivers. Uber states the move is intended to simplify its product range, leaving Uber Go to serve price-conscious passengers while reserving Comfort and Black for higher-tier alternatives. However, NEFSA emphasizes that drivers were never consulted before this decision was made, describing the unilateral move as deeply disappointing.
The core of the crisis lies in vehicle eligibility. NEFSA estimates that more than 60% of the drivers it represents may not qualify for the remaining Uber categories. Many operators do not own their vehicles outright, relying instead on rental agreements with fleet companies such as Valterative, Move, or Easy Way. In the current economic climate, drivers are already struggling to cover basic rental fees, let alone monthly financing obligations.
Transitioning to a new tier is further complicated by strict vehicle age and type restrictions. While Uber X initially required vehicles to be newer than 2015, recent rules mandate that cars cannot be older than five years, meaning 2020 models are already in their final year on the platform. Furthermore, Uber X predominantly utilizes entry-level sedans like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Fit, and Nissan Almera. In contrast, Uber Go is designated for budget compact hatchbacks like the Hyundai i10 or VW Polo, while Uber Comfort requires upper-class sedans like the Hyundai Sonata or upper-model Elantras.
Drivers with Uber X vehicles who cannot meet the stricter Comfort criteria will be forced into Uber Go. Masakale highlighted that this downgrade could cause earnings for a standard 5km trip to plummet from 70 rand to as low as 40 or 50 rand, effectively halving a driver’s income while operating the same vehicle over the same distance.
South Africa’s challenging economy is also pushing riders toward more affordable options, fueling the rise of competitors like inDrive, which allows users to negotiate pricing directly. To remain competitive, platform companies are engaging in aggressive pricing dynamics, inadvertently squeezing the operators who must maintain vehicle upkeep and meet strict business obligations.
When questioned about Uber’s response to these mounting concerns, Masakale stated that the company consistently ignores outreach efforts, effectively “blue-ticking” stakeholder communications. She contrasted this silence with the proactive engagement seen from competing platforms and local government bodies. Masakale concluded by questioning the local impact of the platform’s 15-year presence in South Africa, arguing that it has largely extracted revenue without adequately supporting the drivers who work 10 to 15 hours a day to keep the service running.
