South Africa’s leading e-hailing platforms, including Uber and Bolt, could soon face legal consequences as the deadline to comply with new government regulations approaches.
The government has implemented the National Land Transport Amendment Act, which requires all e-hailing platforms to formally register with authorities.
The legislation introduces stricter compliance measures for the industry, including mandatory vehicle branding, the installation of panic buttons, and the securing of operating licences for both drivers and digital platforms.
The updated framework aims to bring greater oversight to the rapidly expanding e-hailing sector.
Authorities say the changes are intended to enhance safety for passengers and drivers while addressing long-standing tensions between e-hailing operators and the traditional taxi industry. The regulations officially came into effect in September 2025.
Under the new rules, digital platforms must be registered before drivers can convert to, or apply for, e-hailing operating licences.
Operators who fail to comply within 180 days risk being declared illegal. In addition, platforms that are not registered with the National Public Transport Regulator will not be reflected in provincial regulatory databases, potentially preventing drivers from obtaining the necessary licences to operate legally.
With the compliance deadline looming, industry players face mounting pressure to meet the new requirements or risk operating outside the law.
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