Yango partners lobby Govt for three-month permit extension to avoid delays  

E-hailing service Yango’s partners are lobbying the Ministry of Works and Transport to extend a 28-day permit deadline to three months, citing high temporary costs and potential systemic delays.

The operators say the ministry requires them to have the same driving permits as taxi drivers.

Yango’s partners involve businesses that hire drivers to provide transport, delivery and logistics services through the app. Drivers registered under Yango’s partners use their own cars to offer rides, earning an income.

Umaja Tours and Safaris representative Ashley Mafuwe yesterday said obtaining the driving permits is difficult within the given time frame.

A group of seven Yango operators yesterday gathered outside the transport ministry, calling on minister Veikko Nekundi to adjust the time frame and reduce the permanent permit cost.

Mafuwe said they are required to pay N$850 a month for a temporary permit.

“We have over 6 000 cars and drivers on the road, and they all need to be registered. Our drivers cannot afford N$850 a month for nine months,” he said.

Mafuwe said drivers risk being unable to operate once the 28-day period lapses.

JTP Tours and Safaris representative Josef Likoro yesterday raised concerns about delays in the Namibian Traffic Information System, warning that the influx of applications could overwhelm it.

“All vehicles going there to apply for roadworthiness are going to affect the system in terms of time and the number of vehicles,” he said, urging the ministry to streamline the process.

Ester Shimbaba from Hannes and Eve Investment CC warned that strict enforcement could negatively impact young people relying on the sector for income.

“Look at us as the youth, not as Yango operators. Imagine paying that N$850 in a month, it will cost you about N$7 000,” she said.

Nekundi yesterday said the e-hailing sector had been given 28 days to comply with the law and must adhere to regulations.

“Yango is behaving as if it is the operator. If they don’t comply, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology will take action,” he said.

He said the ministry will develop strategies to identify and act against illegal operators.

Addressing concerns about delays, Nekundi said he believes permits typically take between four and six months to be issued, although he could not confirm the exact time frame.

“We have been engaging them in good faith since last year, and we are fed up now. The information minister will take action against operators,” he said.

Nekundi noted that applying for a permit costs N$200, with an additional N$250 payable after approval, and N$300 for renewal every two years.

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