What was meant to be the start of a new chapter in Mthokozisi Mvelase's life ended in tragedy just days later.
The 27-year-old, originally from KZN, had relocated to Joburg only two weeks ago in search of better opportunities.
He bought a car shortly after arriving and, on Monday, 11 August, began using it to work as an e-hailing driver.
On Wednesday night, 13 August, just two days into his new job, Mvelase was gunned down outside Maponya Mall in Soweto.
His aunt, Zanele Khuzwayo, described him as her sister's only child, a young man full of ambition and determination to make a living in a tough economy.
"He relocated to Joburg from KZN, bought a car two weeks ago and only started using it as an Uber on Monday, two days before he was killed," she said, her voice breaking.
The brazen shooting has once again thrown the spotlight on the ongoing tensions between the taxi and e-hailing industries, which have in recent years been marred by violent clashes.
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Addressing the media on Thursday, 14 August, Gauteng Transport MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela said the province is facing a crisis of fragmented leadership in the e-hailing sector, making conflict resolution extremely difficult.
"We met with leaders from both the taxi industry and e-hailing operators today, but some drivers outside the meeting rejected the people we engaged with, saying they do not represent them," the MEC said.
She revealed that law enforcement is still investigating which association Mvelase belonged to, if any.
According to officials, he had been staying at a nearby hotel and was not recognised by some local e-hailing operators.
The MEC said the provincial government will intensify efforts to formalise the industry and clamp down on illegal operators.
"We cannot keep meeting different people each time. Everyone operating illegally will be removed," she stressed.
