The National Land Transport Amendment Act, effective from 12 September 2025, has initiated a 180-day period for South Africa's e-hailing sector to comply with new regulations. Platforms like Uber and Bolt must register with the National Public Transport Regulator before drivers can obtain operating licences. With the deadline approaching on 11 March 2026, progress remains slow, risking illegality for thousands of operators.
South Africa's e-hailing industry, including major platforms such as Uber and Bolt, is approaching a critical regulatory deadline. The National Land Transport Amendment Act (NLTA) came into effect on 12 September 2025, classifying e-hailing as a form of public transport and starting a 180-day countdown for compliance. This period ends on 11 March 2026, after which non-compliant operations could face fines or imprisonment.
The process requires e-hailing companies to first register with the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR). Only then can individual drivers apply for operating licences through provincial regulators. According to a statement from the National Department of Transport on 20 November 2025, unregistered providers will not appear in provincial databases, blocking drivers' licence applications. As of 6 February 2026, the NPTR had received just 10 registration applications from platforms, with none finalised, as reported by News24.
A potential complicating factor emerged when Henry Mathebula, chair of the Gauteng E-hailing Partners Council, stated on Newzroom Afrika that delays stem from platforms awaiting a letter from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa). The role of Icasa in this process remains unclear from available information.
The regulations aim to address longstanding safety concerns in the sector, including reports of violence, kidnappings, and assaults. New requirements include hard-wired panic buttons in vehicles linked to law enforcement or private security, and visible branding on e-hailing vehicles. Vanessa Raphaely, chief admin of The Village, a parents' group, welcomed these measures, saying, "Safety in e-hailing cabs is one of the top issues and any progress towards keeping our kids safer... would be greatly welcomed."
In Gauteng, where e-hailing has grown significantly, MEC for Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela emphasised the need for regulation. She stated, “This growth must take place within a transparent and well-regulated environment that protects both operators and commuters.” The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport views the process as an opportunity to align with national legislation.
Non-compliance could disrupt the industry, affecting drivers' livelihoods and commuter access, though enforcement details remain uncertain.
