Bolt is expanding its South African national e-hailing compliance programme following regulatory engagements in the North West and Western Cape as the industry works to turn the country’s new e-hailing regulations into practical licensing, safety, and operating processes.
Bolt became one of the first major e-hailing platforms to receive a Certificate of Registration from the National Public Transport Regulator in February 2026.
The company is now working with provincial regulators, government, transport associations, and operators to support the implementation of the National Land Transport Amendment Act, 2023 and the Second National Land Transport Regulations, 2025.
“Bolt was one of the first major platforms to register under the new regulatory framework, but leadership cannot end with our own compliance,” says Fikile Nzuza-Chunga, senior public policy manager at Bolt South Africa. “Operators must understand what the law requires, licensing processes must work in practice, and the institutions responsible for implementation must remain accessible. Our provincial engagement programme is designed to help move the industry from regulation to implementation.”
Bolt is gradually expanding rider identity verification across South Africa. Riders are prompted to enter their South African ID number and take a selfie, with most verifications completed automatically within minutes. If a rider cannot be verified immediately, they may be asked to upload an identity document for additional checks.
The process is supported by a trusted verification partner and includes checks against records maintained by the Department of Home Affairs. Voluntary verification is already available to riders nationwide helping ensure that users are accurately identified and accountable when accessing the platform.
“Drivers are required to meet strict identity, documentation and licensing standards,” says Nzuza-Chunga. “Strengthening rider verification helps close an important safety gap and supports greater accountability on both sides of the platform. Verification is not a complete solution on its own, but it is an important part of the wider safety system Bolt continues to build.”
The e-hailing company says both provincial engagements placed a strong focus on coexistence between e-hailing and the minibus taxi industry.
In the North West, SANTACO reaffirmed its support for constructive engagement with the e-hailing sector, while Western Cape stakeholders explored stronger communication, clearer operating arrangements and faster mechanisms for resolving disputes.
“No single form of transport can meet every passenger’s needs,” says Nzuza-Chunga. “A functioning transport system requires e-hailing, minibus taxis, buses, and rail to complement one another. Bolt is creating platforms where difficult regulatory and operational challenges can be converted into practical action.”
Bolt plans to extend the engagement model to other provinces. The company will continue supporting operator education, strengthening rider verification and engaging regulators on functional operating-licence processes.
“The success of the new framework will be measured by whether operators can obtain licences, whether passengers and drivers are safer, and whether different parts of the transport industry can work together,” Nzuza-Chunga says. “Bolt is committed to helping turn those outcomes into reality.”