E-hailing drivers across South Africa have been given 180 days to meet new regulatory requirements under the amended National Land Transport Act, which officially recognises e-hailing as a legal form of public transport.
Transport Department spokesperson Collen Msibi said that drivers must apply for an operating licence through provincial regulatory offices, with one office in each of the country’s nine provinces.
“The designations are based on the transport plans of cities and towns. Provinces and municipalities will work together when processing applications,” Msibi explained.
The operating licence will cost roughly R600 and must be renewed every five years. Drivers will also need a professional driving permit, which includes a criminal record check and authorises them to operate public transport vehicles.
Branding requirements for vehicles are still being finalised, with the possibility of platforms like Uber or Bolt appearing on the cars. Drivers must also install panic buttons, with a 180-day window to comply.
“These panic buttons will be physical devices, not just in-app features, and will be installed by security or tracking companies. There may be two buttons per vehicle, one for the driver and one for passengers,” said Msibi. “Drivers are also being attacked, so they need immediate protection. The cost of installation falls on the licence holder.”
Vehicles must visibly display their licences, and law enforcement officers will inspect both licences and panic buttons. All e-hailing apps must register with the regulator. Apps that allow unlicensed operators face fines up to R100,000 or up to two years in jail, and a public list of approved apps will be published.
Workshops have already begun to educate regulators and operators about the new rules and to address any questions or concerns. Drivers currently operating with charter permits have six months to convert to e-hailing operating licences. Full enforcement will begin once the 180-day compliance period ends.
