South Africa Formally Regulates Uber and Bolt Under Amended Transport Law
After years of operating in a regulatory gray area, e-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are now officially recognized as part of South Africa’s public transport system. Amendments to the National Land Transport Act, gazetted by the transport department and effective September 12, 2025, bring these ride-hailing platforms under formal regulation. This move aims to close legal loopholes that have fueled tensions between e-hailing drivers and traditional metered and minibus taxi operators.
Key Changes to E-Hailing Regulations
The amended law introduces several key changes for e-hailing services. Most significantly, all e-hailing drivers are now required to obtain operating licenses, which will be processed through Provincial Regulatory Entity offices. Furthermore, vehicles used for e-hailing must display clear branding or signage indicating their affiliation with a specific company. To enhance commuter safety, vehicles must also be equipped with panic buttons. These compliance measures represent a significant shift in the operating environment for e-hailing services in South Africa.
The formal regulation of e-hailing services in South Africa marks a crucial step in integrating these platforms into the broader public transport network. While it provides clarity and addresses long-standing conflicts, it also places new responsibilities and compliance burdens on both drivers and companies. The impact of these changes on the e-hailing landscape and the broader transport sector in South Africa remains to be seen.
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