Major changes coming to Uber and Bolt in SA
This follows community outrage over the murder of an e-hailing driver, Mthokozisi Mvelase (27), apparently amid ongoing tensions between minibus taxi drivers and e-hailing operators.
According to Jacaranda FM News, 27-year-old Siyanda Mvelase was killed following an apparent confrontation with minibus taxi drivers at the mall.
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This led to major protests and calls for officials to intervene.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has now told the Sunday Times that new legislation to regulate the e-hailing space better is in the works.
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The National Land Transport Amendment (NLTA) Act would introduce regulations for e-hailing services like Bolt and Uber, which would help ease the rivalry.
The legislation, assented to by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been on the books for over a decade.
The new legislation will result in e-hailing drivers no longer being required to use charter permits and meter taxi operating licences in South Africa.
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Instead, they will receive an official e-hailing operating licence indicating the geographical area in which they operate.
Each vehicle will be branded or carry a sign indicating that it is an e-hailing vehicle.
Creecy says this new system will ensure drivers comply with the following:
- E-hailing drivers will be vetted and subject to criminal record checks.
- Professional driving permits are required.
- Vehicles have panic buttons.
- Profile photos are up to date.
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Failure to obey these regulations could carry a financial penalty of up to R100,000 or up to two years in prison.
Regulators will withdraw or suspend licences in cases where the operator has contravened the NLTA.
BusinessTech reports that Creecy approved the NLTA Act in March 2025, and it is currently being translated into a second official language before it is gazetted for implementation in October 2025.
The National Land Transport Amendment can be found here.
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