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Immigrant drivers too scared to enter Gauteng townships

“Independent contractors” for delivery services are being targeted by vigilantes

Delivery driver Robert Mwakikunga, from Malawi, has stopped taking orders from Soweto and Thokoza out of fear. Photo: Kimberly Mutandiro

Immigrant delivery drivers say they have been attacked, robbed and chased away in Soweto, Thokoza and parts of Johannesburg.
Some drivers now refuse to deliver to these areas. One driver said they do not report incidents to the police because officers ask undocumented drivers for bribes.
Drivers are treated as “independent contractors”, not employees. They say their accounts are suspended if their immigration documents expire. They say they earn about R1,500 a week after expenses.

Robert Mwakikunga used to deliver orders for Uber Eats as far as Soweto and Thokoza, but things changed in April when an anti-immigrant campaign by…

Read More: Immigrant drivers too scared to enter Gauteng townships.

Inequality: Significant disparities in wealth and income.

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