Bolt, one of the popular ride-hailing platforms in South Africa, has announced an expansion of its compliance program nationwide. This comes as provinces grapple with thousands of pending applications for operating licenses.
This move is in response to taxi service operators facing tightening requirements under new South African transport laws. These laws mandate that companies obtain appropriate operating licenses and adhere to safety standards.
Platforms that allow unlicensed operators to use their apps risk fines of up to 100,000 rand or up to two years in prison. Furthermore, ride-hailing vehicles must be equipped with panic buttons and comply with other regulatory requirements.
The company became the first major ride-hailing platform to receive a Registration Certificate from the National Road Traffic Regulator earlier this year. Bolt stated that it is now collaborating with provincial regulators, the government, transport associations, and operators themselves to implement the new regulatory framework.
Supporting Regulatory Implementation
Fikile Nzuza-Chunga, Senior Level Government Policy Manager at Bolt South Africa, emphasized that while Bolt was among the first major platforms to register under the new regulations, management cannot stop at self-compliance. She noted that operators must understand the law's requirements, licensing processes must work in practice, and responsible implementing bodies must remain accessible. The company's engagement program with provinces is designed to transition the industry from the regulation stage to practical implementation.
The company reported conducting consultative meetings with operators and government officials in the North West and Western Cape provinces. Specifically, over 150 operators participated in a meeting in Rustenburg in the North West, where licensing and safety requirements were discussed.
Licensing Issues and Safety Concerns
A provincial regulator reported that this province has between 3,000 and 5,000 applications awaiting operating licenses. A representative of the North West Provincial Regulator noted that there is a broader issue of accumulated operating license applications ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 across the province.
Bolt is also expanding passenger identity verification across South Africa, requiring users to provide their ID number and take a selfie. The company explains that these checks are aimed at increasing accountability and safety for both drivers and passengers. Nzuza-Chunga stated that drivers are required to meet strict standards regarding identity, documentation, and licensing, and enhancing passenger verification helps address a significant security gap and promotes greater responsibility on both sides of the platform.
She added that verification itself is not a complete solution but represents an important part of the broader safety system that Bolt continues to build.