Parliament's transport committee chairman Dikeledi Magadzi has voiced her concern about the continued conflict between Uber and metered taxi drivers.
Magadzi said in a statement this week that the conflicts need to be resolved before lives are lost, and she is particularly worried about the safety of passengers.
Uber has met with dissatisfaction from taxi drivers since the company began operations in SA in 2013.
However, tensions have risen recently and there were clashes in the Johannesburg CBD and at the Sandton Gautrain station last month. Vehicles were damaged, including police vehicles, and people injured.
The conflict arose after transport MEC Ismail Vadi said Uber drivers would be issued with operating licences so they can operate under the same laws as meter taxi drivers.
Vadi was confronted at a press conference by meter taxi drivers and prevented from leaving the department's offices by the crowd until the police arrived.
"The transport sector should be the safest and should be geared towards ensuring more jobs are created and that the movement of people is seamless," said Magadzi.
"Any efforts geared towards improving transportation of people are a most welcome relief, especially if that comes at an affordable price and efficient service. These continued conflicts with Uber drivers should be attended to as a matter of urgency."
However, Magadzi pointed out the committee will not get involved in matters concerning private operations.
This is because legislation has been put in place to deal with situations that have criminal elements, she said.
"Law enforcement authorities should enforce the law consistently, without preference, and ensure at all times that the country is moving closer to safe and reliable transport that will link people to opportunities," said Magadzi.
Alon Lits, Uber SA GM, previously said the company's strategy when dealing with meter-cab drivers remains broad-based engagement.
The company is talking to as many meter-cab drivers as possible to try and get them to use the Uber platform themselves.
"As we have always said, our technology is open and pro-choice, and we are keen to offer it to a broad number of taxi drivers to boost their occupancy rates and chances for profit.
"In fact, many metered taxi drivers are already using our technology to boost their incomes and we would welcome more who wish to join their colleagues. We do not feel it should be about Uber or taxi but rather Uber and taxi."
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