Johannesburg, 27 June 2025 – Bolt South Africa held its latest Driver Safety Summit in Johannesburg today, bringing together driver-partners, regulators, safety officials, and law enforcement stakeholders to engage on one of the most pressing issues facing the e-hailing industry: safety.
In a country as diverse and dynamic as South Africa, mobility is not a luxury, but it is a lifeline. For millions, e-hailing platforms like Bolt connect home and work, education and opportunity, freedom and safety. With this responsibility comes a commitment that cannot be overstated. Safety is not a feature or a checkbox. It is the foundation upon which Bolt operates, and it remains the single largest area of investment within Bolt’s South African operations.
Addressing attendees at the summit, Mr Lerato Motsoeneng, Senior General Manager for Bolt South Africa, said: “This summit represents something deeply important, not just to Bolt, but to every person who steps into a Bolt vehicle. Safety is not optional, it is a right. The difficult events we’ve seen over the past months , attacks on drivers, hijackings, and threats to lives have reminded us of the real risks faced by those who keep this country moving. That’s why we’re introducing rider identity verification and rolling out other key measures. We are determined to create a platform that is not just efficient, but also safe and fair for everyone who uses it.”
Bolt’s safety approach is multi-layered. The platform includes in-trip GPS tracking, real-time trip sharing, emergency assistance tools, and audio trip recording. Drivers now also have access to an AI-powered dashcam system that uses a smartphone to record and store front and rear video footage securely in the cloud, a measure aimed at both prevention and accountability.
Recognising that safety is a shared responsibility, Bolt is introducing mandatory rider identity verification. At random intervals, riders will be prompted to upload a photo of their ID (such as a passport, ID card, or driver’s licence) and take a selfie to confirm their identity. This step is intended to build mutual trust and reduce fraud and misconduct on the platform.
Mr Motsoeneng also welcomed the evolving policy environment, particularly the National Land Transport Amendment Act, which provides a clearer regulatory framework for e-hailing platforms in South Africa. “Safety must be backed by strong systems, but also strong laws,” said Motsoeneng. “We are committed to working hand in hand with the government, the police, and civil society to ensure the e-hailing sector becomes not only more inclusive, but safer for all.”
Bennto Motitswe, Chief Director and representative of the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, and Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE) said “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Bolt on this important initiative. Safety remains a critical concern in the transport sector, and it is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders across all industries. We are calling for an end to the ongoing violence between taxi associations, metered taxis, and the e-hailing industry. There is enough space for everyone to thrive. We urge all stakeholders to work together, share the platform, and coexist peacefully.”
The summit included panel discussions, breakout sessions, and direct engagement between Bolt and its driver-partners. Topics ranged from real-time risk management and hotspot reporting to collaboration with SAPS and regulatory compliance. Driver-partners were at the centre of the day’s programme, offering critical insights and highlighting the need for continuous dialogue and trust-building.
Bolt reaffirmed that its work on safety is not a once-off campaign. It is an ongoing commitment to evolve with the country’s needs and challenges. Drivers and riders alike were encouraged to use the platform’s built-in safety features, report suspicious activity, and contribute to a culture of collective vigilance.
As the event concluded with a moment of silence to honour those affected by violence in the sector, attendees left with a shared understanding: every trip taken on the platform should begin and end with peace of mind.
