South Africa’s Competition Commision has decided to dismiss the case brought against Uber by the SA Meter Taxi Association.
The meter taxi group had earlier accused Uber of flooding the streets with vehicles while not complying with regulations, and charging prices that were below costs. They also complained that Uber operates unfairly by securing partnerships with multinational companies while misleading the public by claiming to create jobs.
These allegations were made in May, 2016, when eight regional taxi companies joined forces with the 150 individual members of the SA Meter Taxi Association to rally against Uber.
After due consideration, the Competition Commission released a statement saying, “The Commission has conducted an investigation into these allegations and has taken a view that the alleged conduct does not contravene the Competition Act.” They also added that the Meter Taxi Association could appeal this decision with the Competition Tribunal within 20 business days.
Metered taxi drivers have been vocal about their rejection of Uber all over South Africa and have often resorted to violence in their fight against the company. In May alone, anti-Uber taxi drivers beat a South African politician, and three metro police officials were injured after meter taxi drivers stoned two Uber cars and two metro police vehicles in Johannesburg.
There is bound to be opposition when a new business makes its entrance to an already existing market, but I believe it is left to the existing businesses to figure out new ways to compete. That’s better than resorting to violence or dragging another company to court just because you feel slighted. In a capitalist system, the consumer has the power, and they’re choosing Uber.
