Minister Chikunga urges women to stay alert when using e-hailing services

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has urged young women and girls to remain vigilant and take extra safety precautions when using e-hailing services.

The call comes after increasing concerns about the safety of commuters, particularly women, following reports of criminal incidents involving e-hailing services.

This week, a female e-hailing driver was robbed in Nelmapius, Pretoria, in an incident captured on a dashboard camera. The robbery has reignited concerns about the safety risks faced by both drivers and passengers using ride-hailing platforms.

“The safety of women and girls remains a priority. As we continue to advocate for safer communities, it is important that young women remain alert and take necessary precautions when using e-hailing services,” said Chikunga.

The minister encouraged users to verify the driver's identity, vehicle registration number and trip details before entering a vehicle. She also advised commuters to share trip information with trusted friends or family members, avoid travelling alone late at night where possible, sit in the back seat and remain aware of the route being followed.

Users were further urged to report suspicious behaviour and safety concerns through e-hailing platforms and to law enforcement authorities.

Chikunga stressed that ensuring the safety of commuters, particularly women, girls and persons with disabilities, is a shared responsibility involving transport operators, technology platforms, law enforcement agencies and communities.

She said government remains committed to strengthening efforts aimed at preventing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities continues to work with government departments, civil society organisations and private-sector partners to promote women's safety and advance the objectives of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.