By Themba Masango
Secretary-General NotInMyName International
I Ride What I Like! Stop the Violence! End the Coercion!
NotInMyName International stands in profound grief and outrage at the recent killings of e-hailing drivers.
These acts of brutal violence are not only individual tragedies but attacks on the fundamental rights to life, safety, and economic freedom.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims.
We unequivocally condemn these murders.Targeting individuals for providing or utilizing a legal transportation service is barbaric and unacceptable.
Every person has the right to earn a living in peace and safety.
This violence occurs against a backdrop of intimidation and coercion perpetrated by factions within the traditional taxi industry who seek to force the public to use their services exclusively.
NotInMyName International declares: This coercion must end immediately.
The right to choose is fundamental.
Citizens have the absolute right to decide which safe, legal transportation service best meets their needs and budget be it traditional taxi,e-hailing, bus, or personal vehicle.
Violence and intimidation are criminal acts, not legitimate business strategies.
Forcing “exclusivity” through fear, threats, or murder is terrorism, not competition.
Economic freedom is a human right.
E-hailing drivers, like all workers, have the right to pursue their livelihood without fear of violence or extortion.
We demand:
1. Urgent Law Enforcement Action:
Authorities must prioritize the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for these killings and all acts of violence and intimidation against e-hailing drivers and users.
Increased visible policing in hotspots is essential.
2. Zero Tolerance for Coercion:
Government and regulatory bodies must publicly denounce and actively dismantle any attempts by taxi operators or associations to enforce exclusive usage through threats or violence.
3.Protection for Drivers & Riders:
Concrete measures must be implemented to ensure the safety of all drivers (taxi and e-hailing) and passengers exercising their right to choose.
4. Uphold Consumer Choice:
Authorities must vigorously defend the principle of consumer choice in transportation. Competition should be based on service quality, safety, and price not fear.
To the factions within the taxi industry resorting to violence:
Your actions are criminal, shameful, and rejected by society.
You do not act in the name of legitimate business or the public good.
Your violence stains your own industry and will be met with the full force of the law.
To the public: Stand firm in your right to choose.
Use the service that works for you, safely and legally.
Report intimidation and violence.
To the authorities:
The safety of citizens and the integrity of the economy are at stake. Inaction is complicity.
Our message is clear: I Ride What I Like!
We will not be terrorized into surrendering our freedom of choice.
We will not allow workers to be killed for providing a service.
We demand safety, justice, and the right to choose.