E-hailing services in South Africa, including Uber and Bolt, are set for a major shake-up as new regulations prepare to take effect. The Department of Transport is finalising the National Land Transport Amendment (NLTA) Act, a law that has been in development for more than a decade.

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According to Donald Selamolela, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, the legislation is currently being translated into a second official language before it is officially gazetted in October. Although President Cyril Ramaphosa assented to the NLTA in 2024, it has yet to be fully implemented.

What the New Laws Mean for E-Hailing

The NLTA introduces sweeping reforms that will drastically change how e-hailing operators function in South Africa. Some of the key provisions include:

E-Hailing Operating Licenses: Drivers will now receive official licenses instead of relying on charter or meter taxi permits.
Branded Vehicles: All e-hailing cars must display signage identifying them as such, and licenses will specify the geographical areas in which drivers are allowed to operate.
Driver Vetting: Operators will undergo background checks, including criminal record screenings.
Enhanced Security: Cars must be fitted with panic buttons, and drivers will be required to keep their profile pictures updated.
Strict Penalties: Failure to comply could result in fines of up to R100,000 or imprisonment for up to two years. Regulators will also have the authority to suspend or revoke licenses for breaches.

Tackling Violence in the Transport Sector

The push for the NLTA has been accelerated by rising tensions and violent clashes between e-hailing drivers and the traditional taxi industry. Soweto and KwaZulu-Natal have been hotspots for these conflicts, with the deadly attack on e-hailing drivers at Maponya Mall being one of the most alarming incidents in recent years.

Taxi associations have long denied involvement in the violence, but critics argue that the industry has a history of using intimidation to maintain dominance in certain areas. The new laws aim to curb these conflicts by creating a more structured, regulated framework for e-hailing operations.

Selamolela explained that one of the key concerns is the rise of impostors posing as legitimate e-hailing drivers, often charging uncompetitive rates to undercut both licensed drivers and taxi operators. By formalising the industry through licensing and stricter oversight, the government hopes to restore order and reduce tensions.

Uber and Bolt: Looking Ahead

hile the NLTA is expected to improve safety and accountability, Selamolela cautioned that it will not completely eliminate challenges in the evolving transport sector. Instead, it is seen as a critical step toward balancing the interests of e-hailing companies, drivers, and the taxi industry while ensuring commuter safety.

If successfully implemented, these new laws could redefine South Africa’s e-hailing landscape, making Uber, Bolt, and other platforms more secure and better regulated for both drivers and passengers.