South African Motorbike Delivery Association Slams Uber for Dismissive Response to Memorandum of Demands

Uber drivers hands a Memorandum of Understanding amid mounting tensions. (Supplied)

by InsideOutNewz

Tensions in South Africa’s delivery industry deepened this week as Uber South Africa came under heavy criticism for its handling of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) submitted by rider representatives outlining key grievances and proposed resolutions.

The MoU, developed by the South African Motorbike Delivery Association (SAMDA) and accepted by Uber earlier this month, addressed pressing concerns around unfair labour practices and lack of transparency. The demand for riders to be directly employed by Uber rather than operating under third-party service providers. Their memorandum also called for fair contracts, improved safety measures, and immediate resolution of unpaid wages.

However, instead of responding with a management-level engagement. Uber reportedly sent a private security company to deliver what rider representatives have described as an unprofessional and illiterate response. The move has been widely condemned as dismissive and disrespectful, raising questions about Uber’s willingness to engage constructively with those who power its platform.

Labor observers say the incident highlights a broader pattern of neglect and avoidance in the gig economy, where companies rely heavily on independent contractors while sidestepping obligations typically expected of employers. They stressed that sending a security company to respond to formal labor grievances is unheard of and signals an alarming lack of seriousness from Uber.

The controversy comes amid a national shutdown of Uber’s motorbike division “UberMoto,” where riders have withdrawn their services in protest. Fleet owners have been warned not to deploy bikes or drivers during the shutdown, with riders vowing that operations will remain halted until Uber directly addresses their demands.

However, critics argue that Uber’s actions not only undermine the legitimacy of rider associations but also expose the company’s unwillingness to acknowledge the structural issues in its business model. Riders have long complained of carrying the costs of fuel, insurance, and bike maintenance, while facing opaque pay structures and no meaningful grievance mechanisms.

The latest standoff underscores the growing unrest in South Africa’s delivery sector, where platforms have rapidly expanded but labor protections have lagged behind. Industry watchers suggest that unless Uber and similar companies engage seriously with worker representatives. The sector risks escalating conflict and reputational damage.

Riders’ message is clear stating that they are no longer willing to tolerate what they see as exploitation and corporate arrogance. With the shutdown continuing and public attention mounting, pressure is now squarely on Uber South Africa to show accountability and take the grievances of its riders seriously.