WANATU E-Hailing Service Triumphs in Court With AfriForum's Support

Afrikaans e-hailing service WANATU has successfully resumed its operations in Pretoria, following a favorable ruling by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. The recent court decision came after WANATU, supported by civil rights organization AfriForum, filed an urgent interdict to prevent the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) from impounding their vehicles amid an ongoing permit acquisition issue.

WANATU and its legal team argued that the current legislative framework, which mandates permits for taxi operations, unfairly targets e-hailing services. The confusion arose when the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport ceased the acceptance and processing of all permit applications, making legal compliance unattainable for WANATU. Demonstrating the administrative bottleneck to the court, WANATU secured an emergency suspension of the impounding order, allowing them to continue their operations while the full court application is pending.

This decisive courtroom victory comes as a significant relief to both WANATU and its clientele in the Pretoria and Centurion areas, marking a critical moment of reprieve since the suspension of its services on February 5th. The TMPD’s interception and impoundment of two WANATU vehicles earlier that month prompted immediate legal action. The situation was exacerbated by the service’s inability to procure the necessary operational permits due to halted administrative processing, presenting a formidable challenge that WANATU tackled head-on in court.

Louis Boshoff, Campaign Officer at AfriForum, noted the dual significance of the court's decision, aligning both with International Mother Language Day and the resumption of an essential service catering primarily to the Afrikaans community. Boshoff stressed that the interdict not only serves WANATU’s business interests but fundamentally addresses the transportation needs of countless commuters dependent on its services.

Judith van der Walt, CEO of WANATU, hailed the ruling as a broader win for all Pretoria residents requiring reliable and safe e-transport options. She underscored that the city's failure to process permits should not penalize drivers or hinder transportation services critical to the public. Van der Walt reiterated WANATU’s commitment to adhering to all regulatory requirements, emphasizing a proactive approach to compliance and service excellence.

The resumption of WANATU's operations as of noon today marks a pivotal moment for the company and its users. This legal victory not only underscores the challenges faced by emerging businesses in navigating bureaucratic landscapes but also highlights the critical role of legal advocacy in ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential services to the public.

As the case unfolds, WANATU's full court application will further articulate the need for legislative clarity and fairness in how e-hailing services are regulated, potentially setting important precedents for the industry.