JOHANNESBURG — Bolt has become the first and only e-hailing platform to secure official registration under South Africa’s new national transport regulations, according to the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR).
The company received its formal Certificate of Registration on 27 February 2026, marking a significant shift in the regulatory landscape of the country’s digital transport sector. The certification confirms that Bolt currently stands as the sole operator meeting the updated requirements governed by the NPTR.
The new regulations were introduced to provide greater oversight of an industry that has frequently operated in a legal grey area. By formalising the sector, authorities aim to strengthen safety standards and clarify licensing rules for digital platforms. While competitors such as Uber, inDrive, and local operator Shesha continue to provide services across South Africa, they have yet to announce similar certification under the new framework.
Fikile Nzuza-Chunga, senior public policy manager for Bolt South Africa, stated that the company has supported the move toward defined industry rules. Nzuza-Chunga noted that the registration is a milestone for the broader industry, suggesting it will enhance trust and passenger safety while providing a clearer operating environment for driver-partners.
The regulatory framework is intended to bring accountability to the e-hailing ecosystem, focusing specifically on driver standards and passenger protection. To prepare for these changes, Bolt has conducted driver summits across the country to educate its partners on their legal responsibilities under the new laws.
The move comes at a time of increased pressure on the government to integrate digital ride-hailing into the broader public transport network. For years, the lack of a formalised system led to tension between e-hailing drivers and traditional taxi operators, often resulting in service disruptions and safety concerns.
By establishing a clear registration process, the NPTR aims to standardise oversight and ensure that all digital platforms adhere to South African transport laws. The success of this rollout will likely serve as a blueprint for how other international tech platforms are managed within the local transport economy.
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