What if Uber and Bolt are pulled? Key concerns for South Africans

Uber and Bolt in South Africa are currently facing a critical regulatory deadline that could result in them being deemed “illegal” within weeks.

The National Land Transport Amendment Act, which came into effect on September 12, 2025, requires all e-hailing platforms to register with the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR).

The companies had a 180-day transition window to comply, which expires on March 11, 2026. Media reports from mid-February suggest that neither Uber nor Bolt has finalised its registration. Uber has confirmed that its application is in process, but the uncertainty is enough to make anyone anxious.

The anxiety of imagining a South Africa without Uber and Bolt is real. I’m one person who uses these platforms almost every day. They are not just convenient; they are part of how we navigate life now.

Sure, sometimes there are safety concerns for both riders and drivers, but those are the exceptions rather than the rule.

The convenience these platforms bring - whether it’s going to the airport, doing grocery runs, attending meetings, or just getting around town - has reshaped our routines. 

Think about the nightlife. For anyone who enjoys going out, Uber and Bolt have changed the game. Back in the day, if you were at a party, you had to stay until at least 5am to catch a taxi or figure out how to get home safely.

Now, you can leave on your own time, knowing a ride is just a tap away. That freedom is invaluable. And it’s not just parties. Rainy mornings, bad traffic or those days when you’re running late to the office - e-hailing services make life smoother and more predictable.

The platforms also offer flexibility for families and students. Parents can use Uber or Bolt when dropping kids off at school or after soccer practice. Students can reach campus safely, even if buses are late or unreliable.

For those of us who travel for work, these services save time and reduce stress. I can’t imagine navigating the city without them, especially in a country where public transport options are often limited or unpredictable.

Yet, I get it. The new law exists for a reason. The mandatory requirements - visible branding, physical panic buttons and official operating licenses - are all meant to increase safety and accountability. Nobody wants unregistered vehicles shuttling people around without oversight.

The penalties for noncompliance are steep: fines up to R100,000 or even imprisonment for up to two years. That’s serious, and it’s why Uber and Bolt need to finalise their registrations as soon as possible.

Still, my anxiety comes from thinking about a South Africa where these platforms don’t exist. Life would slow down, literally. Going to the office on a rainy day would become a gamble.

Last-minute trips to friends or family would require more planning. Even something as simple as heading to a new restaurant across town or leaving a party safely could become stressful again.

There are ways forward without removing Uber and Bolt completely. Safety must be a priority. That means panic buttons aren’t just installed; they must work reliably, and drivers and riders should know how to use them.

Vehicles should be regularly checked and licensed. Education campaigns could help riders understand how to stay safe, while drivers could receive training for handling difficult situations. Technology can play a role too - like live location tracking for all rides or in-app safety reporting.

Another solution could involve partnerships between e-hailing platforms and local authorities. For instance, creating verified driver databases, running background checks and using cameras or dashcams could help ensure safety for everyone.

Incentives could be offered to drivers who maintain high safety standards, and riders could be educated on responsible behaviour too.

Honestly, we don’t need Uber and Bolt gone. Times are moving, and technology has transformed our daily lives. What we need is responsible regulation and safety measures that protect both riders and drivers.

These platforms have become indispensable, and the thought of losing them is stressful. South Africa needs to strike a balance between oversight and accessibility so that e-hailing remains a practical, safe and reliable option for everyone.