‘Uber is creating employment’
App-based taxi company filling a transport gap
The arrival of app-based taxi company Uber has created a financial boom for thousands of people in South Africa.
“It’s the good times for me‚” said Joburg Uber owner and driver Khalid Mohammed.
He and other owners run a 15-car fleet that earns them each‚ after deductions‚ upwards of R40 000 a month.
Lameck‚ who asked for his surname to be withheld‚ owns six cars that earn him at least R20 000 a week.
“I work my own hours. I have a set amount that I ask from my drivers‚ who get good salaries. After all my payments‚ which include salaries‚ car repayments‚ fuel and other overheads‚ I am still making very good money‚” he said.
Signs of how lucrative Uber can be – especially for owners – can be seen by the cost of vehicle slots. On Gumtree on Friday‚ a Johannesburg slot was being sold for R25 000, while one in Port Elizabeth went for R7000. In Stellenbosch, a partner slot was on sale for R2 000. On Gumtree‚ rental slots are between R500 and R1 000 per week.
“On average‚ I make at least R7 000 a week. You work hard‚ but it beats being jobless,” said Shayne Carter, an Uber driver. Another driver gave up his IT job. “The hours are long‚ but I’m happy with the money.”
Economist Daniel Silke said: “Uber is filling an employment gap‚ and is … helping to create entrepreneurs who are developing small empires‚ especially for those who own multiple vehicles.
Uber spokesman Samantha Allenberg said there were more than 12 000 Uber drivers. – TimesLIVE