Bolt says it will comply with South Africa’s amended e-hailing rules and is waiting on the National Public Transport Regulator to finalize the playbook. The company has filed its own registration and is seeking clarity on how provinces will implement the changes. Uber has not commented publicly, underscoring an uneven pace of adaptation across platforms.
Regulatory Context
South Africa gazetted amendments to the National Land Transport Act on September 12, 2025, formally recognizing e-hailing as part of the public transport system. The rules require operating licenses, visible vehicle branding, and panic buttons to strengthen oversight and safety. App providers that let unlicensed drivers operate face penalties of up to R100,000 or two years in prison.
Bolt’s Position and Next Steps
Bolt says it cannot finalize operator applications until NPTR completes registration procedures and publishes standard operating steps. According to Bolt’s senior operations manager Simo Kalajdzic, provincial implementation plans will detail how compliance happens in each jurisdiction. Once those plans land, Bolt will instruct drivers on branding, documentation, and any province-specific steps.
Driver Implications and Safety Concerns
Some drivers support the changes if they deliver faster pickups and better earnings, but others argue branding could expose them to carjackings. The administrative burden of securing operating licenses also worries gig workers who prefer simpler onboarding. Bolt already incentivizes voluntary branding with potential rewards and local perks, but the new mandate removes optionality.
Operational Requirements and Enforcement
The law demands that each e-hailing vehicle carry an operating license and a functioning panic button for emergencies. Provincial Regulatory Authority offices will process licenses, verify compliance, and issue approvals only after conditions are met. Authorities advise riders to confirm in-app driver and vehicle details, while drivers must carry documents to prove eligibility.
Geographic Limits and Practicalities
Operating licenses will come with area conditions that limit where drivers can legally pick up passengers. A driver licensed in one jurisdiction can drop a rider in another province but cannot accept a return fare outside the licensed area. These boundaries will require careful routing decisions and may affect driver earnings patterns across interprovincial trips.
Market Dynamics and Competitive Response
Bolt’s decision to lean in sets a baseline for the market and could push drivers to align, since platforms ultimately control access to demand. Resistance is possible if drivers view compliance as costly or risky, which could trigger quiet switching to apps perceived as lighter on enforcement. Uber’s silence keeps competitive uncertainty alive, but the regulatory direction is now clear and enforceable.
Vehicle Standards and Eligibility
Bolt requires South African vehicles from model year 2014 or newer, and branding eligibility also depends on ownership or written consent from the owner. These filters tighten quality control and align with the act’s emphasis on safety and legitimacy. As provincial plans emerge, operators will likely face audits that tie platform access to proof of compliance.
Outlook
The combination of licensing, branding, and safety hardware marks a shift from informal to regulated operations in e-hailing. Clear guidance from NPTR and provincial regulators will determine how quickly the sector reaches full compliance. If implementation is smooth, riders could see faster verification, more consistent service, and clearer accountability.
South Africa has moved e-hailing from a regulatory gray zone into a defined public transport framework. Bolt’s readiness to comply signals market consolidation around the new rules, even as drivers weigh safety, costs, and convenience. The next milestones are NPTR’s procedures and provincial plans, which will translate policy into daily operating reality.
Source: Mybroadband