G20 Summit expected to boost business for e-hailing drivers

With global attention on Nasrec, Sandton and the Joburg CBD, e-hailing drivers face both opportunity and frustration — higher demand, but also roadblocks and heavy traffic.

Johannesburg is experiencing a major diplomatic moment, as South Africa hosts the G20 Leaders’ Summit from this weekend, with President Cyril Ramaphosa leading the bloc for 2025.

The eyes of the world are on Nasrec, Sandton and the Joburg CBD, but for e-hailing drivers, the summit brings both opportunity and frustration. Increased demand on one hand, roadblocks and traffic on the other.

Johannesburg’s streets are buzzing ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. It’s an opportunity wrapped in a headache for e-hailing drivers. The summit promises higher earnings as visitors, delegates and media flood the city, yet heavy congestion and rolling road closures are making every trip a gamble.

Driver Sabelo Pilane who is new in the e-hailing game is about to get busy with requests around the city.

“It is a busy weekend — a weekend we’ve been expecting. There have been a lot of public statements and expectations. There isn’t so much chaos so far. I’m going through the streets in Sandton nicely. There’s heavy police presence.” he said.

Drivers like him are trying to make ends meet during what should be a profitable stretch, but the G20 security footprint is turning ordinary trips into obstacle courses.

“I do expect a bit of a profit boost with the movements. The last two nights there have been movements in the Sandton area.” he added.

As Johannesburg balances global diplomacy with local disruption, drivers like Sabelo are simply hoping the earnings outweigh the inconvenience.