Drivers have complained about being paid R4 per kilometre to deliver food to customers. They have called for this rate to be increased and for their safety concerns to be addressed.
Drivers hope Uber Eats will respond to their requests by Wednesday 23 December. If the company misses this deadline a national strike could happen.
"This is the first time that a strike is of this magnitude with the drivers, it's never been of this magnitude before in South Africa so we're hoping that we will get feedback from them. We'll decide after Wednesday what we do going forward," said Duane Bernard, a representative of the drivers taking part in protest action,"
Bernard said many drivers work independently for Uber, and they're often victims of exploitation because very few companies offer the same services and market as Uber Eats.
"As driver partners, we are not employed by Uber Eats, but rather we sign a contract where we basically subcontract to them to do their deliveries for them. You can call us the courier company for Uber Eats, each person acts individually as you run your own business via your app,"
Some drivers work late at night, putting them at risk of being victims of crime. Bernard said some customers place orders using Uber Eats with the purpose of robbing drivers.
In an effort to protect themselves, drivers used to only accept card payments at night but this option is no longer available on Uber Eats. Drivers are calling for Uber to bring back this option to help protect them.
Bernard has apologised to customers for the disruptions caused and he hopes deliveries will be back on track once Uber Eats has responded to their demands.