JOHANNESBURG (Azat TV) – Ride-hailing platform Bolt has commenced the issuance of formal affiliation letters to its driver partners across South Africa, providing the necessary documentation for thousands of operators to finalize their mandatory licensing applications. This development arrives as the transport industry faces a strict March 12, 2026, compliance deadline under the country’s updated National Land Transport Amendment Act.
Navigating E-Hailing Regulatory Compliance
For months, many drivers struggled to secure operating licences because they lacked formal proof of their partnership with digital platforms, a requirement enforced by provincial regulatory bodies. By issuing these letters—structured as Service Level Agreements—Bolt is now providing the verified documentation needed for drivers to demonstrate their status as registered partners on a recognized platform. Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt South Africa, confirmed that this process became possible only after the company successfully registered with the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR) in late February 2026.
Industry-Wide Scramble to Meet Deadlines
The regulatory landscape for e-hailing has shifted dramatically since the implementation of the Second National Land Transport Regulations in 2025. The new framework formally recognizes e-hailing as a distinct public transport sector, mandating that all platforms and individual drivers obtain specific operating licences. Bolt, alongside other operators like Maxim and WANATU, has navigated the registration process to ensure continued legal operation. The regulations also introduce stringent safety requirements, including the mandatory installation of panic buttons in vehicles to bolster passenger and driver security.
Broader Gig Worker Protections on the Horizon
Beyond current licensing pressures, the South African government is moving toward a more comprehensive overhaul of the labour environment for gig workers. The proposed Labour Laws Amendment Bill, currently open for public comment, aims to extend formal labour protections to independent contractors and e-hailing drivers. Trade union UASA has expressed strong support for these reforms, which could eventually entitle platform workers to benefits such as sick leave, maternity leave, and standardized severance pay, marking a significant transition for the gig economy.
The rush to meet current licensing deadlines underscores the government’s shift toward formalizing the digital transport sector, though the long-term impact on driver operational costs and the potential reclassification of gig workers under pending labour reforms suggest that the industry’s regulatory evolution is only in its initial stages.