Deadline looms for Yango
Yango partners in Namibia are ready to comply with a directive from the Ministry of Works and Transport, which has ordered all ride-hailing transport services to obtain public passenger permits by the end of September or cease operations in the country.The Road Transport Act and Regulations (Act No. 74 of 1977) provides for permits that authorise the transportation of passengers for remuneration on public roads within Namibia’s borders.
In the past, Yango operators only needed a private vehicle and access to the Yango app to transport passengers without the necessary permits.
The directive follows a complaint submitted to the Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, earlier this month by Windhoek-based taxi drivers, calling for stricter measures against online transport operators and demanding that equal public transport regulations apply to all.
An investigation by Network Media Hub (NMH) found that most Yango partners in Windhoek have instructed their drivers to apply for the required permits by the end of August, or risk being denied access to the Yango app.
A representative of a local Yango partner, who spoke to NMH on condition of anonymity, said the instruction came from Yango Namibia’s head office.
Directive
“We saw the directive on social media and later received confirmation from Yango’s head office that all drivers must register for the necessary permit to avoid being blocked from the app,” he said. “Although the minister has given operators until the end of September, we are pushing our drivers to finalize their applications by the end of August.”
The representative added that the new requirements could automatically reduce the number of active Yango drivers. “This will of course reduce the number of partners. Previously, drivers only needed an identity card (ID) and a valid driver’s licence, but now the registration for permits requires drivers to submit documents such as a code of conduct, motor vehicle license, and for foreign drivers, a valid work visa to work,” he explained.
Mixed reactions
Local drivers expressed divided opinions on the directive. One driver welcomed the move, saying it would protect job opportunities for Namibians.
“Foreign drivers dominate the Yango market, often without proper documents, and they flood the system, which drives down prices because supply exceeds demand. This work should be set aside for Namibians. You will never see a Namibian driving a taxi in another country,” he argued.
However, another driver described the directive as an unnecessary money-making scheme.
“The ministry only wants to make money through application fees and renewals. Yango was safe and reliable, so this decision does not make sense,” he said.
Attempts to get a comment from Yango Namibia’s head office were unsuccessful by the time of going online. – [email protected]