Establishing the E-hailing and Metered Taxi Council for the Western Cape
A growing industry needs a stronger voice
E-hailing and metered taxi services have become an important part of public transport in the Western Cape. Since the introduction of e-hailing platforms in 2013, the industry has grown significantly, with thousands of operators now providing services across the province. Today, approximately 3,500 operators are active in the Western Cape, but there is no single, recognised body that represents their collective interests.
The challenge
Over the years, several representative structures have been established for the metered taxi sector. However, these structures struggled to achieve long-term success due to governance challenges, accountability concerns and representation disputes.
As the industry has evolved, additional challenges have emerged:
- Licensing and compliance matters affecting operators.
- Concerns around platform commission structures and operating conditions.
- Limited collective representation when engaging government and platform providers.
- A lack of a verified and elected body with a mandate to speak on behalf of the industry.
- Concerns that smaller operators may not always have an equal voice in industry discussions.
Without a recognised and accountable representative structure, operators, drivers, government and platform providers have had no single forum through which industry issues can be addressed constructively.
The response
Recognising the need for a credible and inclusive industry structure, a working group of operating licence holders, supported by the Western Cape Mobility Department, began a process to establish a representative council for the sector.
The objective is to create a council that is:
- Representative of e-hailing and metered taxi operators across the province.
- Inclusive of both metro and non-metro operators.
- Transparent and accountable.
- Democratically elected by valid operating licence holders.
- Able to engage government and platform providers on matters affecting the industry.
The solution: the E-hailing and Metered Taxi Council
The new interim E-hailing and Metered Taxi Council - Western Cape (EMTC-WC) will provide a recognised platform through which the industry can organise, engage and advocate on matters that affect operators and drivers.
The council will:
- Represent the interests of valid operating licence holders.
- Provide a recognised voice for industry engagement.
- Create an accountable governance structure through elected leadership.
- Enable structured engagement with government and platform providers.
- Strengthen communication and collaboration across the sector.
Government's role
The Western Cape Mobility Department is facilitating the process, not directing it.
The Department will:
- Support consultation, registration and elections.
- Verify operating licence status.
- Coordinate registration and polling arrangements.
- Share factual information with operators.
Government will not:
- Select candidates.
- Influence election outcomes.
- Campaign for any individual or group.
- Determine the future positions of the council.
What has been achieved so far?
- Significant progress has already been made:
- A draft Interim Constitution was developed.
- Industry consultations were conducted across the metro and non-metro areas.
- Operators were engaged through workshops, emails and SMS campaigns.
- The election process and implementation programme were developed.
- The Interim Constitution was formally adopted and signed on 21 September 2026, creating the framework for the establishment of the interim council and the first election process. (Date provided by project team.)
Download documents
- Download the adopted Interim Constitution
- Download nomination forms and guidance documents
- Download nomination box and voter registration locations
What happens next?
The industry will now elect its first leadership structures under the Interim Constitution.
Leadership structures
Management Committee (MANCO)
Directly elected by valid operating licence holders. MANCO will represent the mandate given by the industry through the election process.
Executive Committee (EXCO)
Elected by MANCO from among its members following the election.
A final constitution will then be developed through further consultation and adopted during 2027.
What operators need to do now
Register to vote
Registration period: 23 September to 14 October 2026
All valid operating licence holders who wish to vote must register in advance at the polling station where they intend to cast their vote.
You will need:
- Valid operating licence details
- Identification document
- Supporting information required during registration
Participation in the EMTC-WC election process is limited to holders of valid e-hailing and/or metered taxi operating licences.
Register here
Download the list of voter registration locations and polling stations.
Nominate leadership candidates
Nomination period: 23 September to 14 October 2026
Operating licence holders who wish to stand for leadership positions may submit nomination forms during the nomination period.
Before submitting a nomination:
- Complete the nomination form.
- Include the required supporting information and short CV.
- Obtain at least five valid endorsements.
- Ensure operating licence details are correct, as all nominations and endorsements will be verified.
Completed nomination forms must be placed in secure nomination boxes at designated locations across the province.
Download nomination forms
Download leadership nomination forms and nomination criteria.
Key election dates
- 23 September – 14 October 2026 Voter registration and nominations open
- 23 October 2026 - Verified candidates announced
- 23 October – 17 November 2026- Candidate campaign period
- 17 – 18 November 2026- Election days Polling stations open from 09:00 to 21:00.
- 24 November 2026 - Swearing-in of elected MANCO members
- 24 November 2026 - Election of EXCO by MANCO
- March 2027- Adoption of the final Constitution
Your participation matters
The EMTC-WC can only succeed if operators participate in the process. By registering, voting and engaging in the election, operators can help establish a representative, accountable and credible council that reflects the interests of the e-hailing and metered taxi industry across the Western Cape.