By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng finance MEC Lebogang Maile has pledged to improve e-hailing safety and called for urgent measures to address security concerns in the industry.
This follows damning findings released earlier this year by the gender non-profit organisation, Women for Change, which revealed widespread concerns about feeling unsafe while using e-hailing services within the city and surrounding areas.
Delivering the keynote address at the official launch of the Bolt South Africa’s Global Safety Campaign in Johannesburg, Maile said the organisation’s report revealed alarming statistics.
A staggering 73% of users reported feeling unsafe during trips, while 22% of respondents shared experiences of harassment or verbal abuse, with 8% encountering such issues on a regular basis.
The report highlighted that nearly half (48%) of participants knew someone who had been assaulted or harassed by a driver.
These insights have underscored the urgent need for improved safety measures in the industry, particularly as the country battles the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide.
Maile applauded Bolt for its commitment to addressing safety concerns and for prioritising user security.
He said that the Gauteng government fully supported the initiative and emphasised the significance of safety not only as a social concern but as an economic imperative.
“Safety is key to unlocking economic growth and fostering social inclusion in our province. The launch of Bolt’s Global Safety Campaign aligns with our efforts to create a secure and transformative environment for all users of e-hailing services,” said Maile said on Thursday.
He highlighted the province’s unique demographic and economic profile which necessitates the prioritization of safety interventions, given the province’s high population density and elevated crime rates.
The MEC also referenced a report by the African Development Bank, which illustrated that the continent’s urban population has surged by over 500 million people since 1990, with cities such as Johannesburg being at the centre of this transformation.
Maile pointed out that addressing urban mobility is crucial to supporting both the economic growth like Johannesburg and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
“Urban mobility is not only a matter of convenience but also one of inclusivity and safety. Our cities, and particularly Gauteng, need solutions that support sustainable transport systems and safeguard the citizens who depend on them,” he said.
Maile connected the issue of e-hailing safety to the broader challenge of spatial inclusion within the province, where apartheid-era planning has left a lasting legacy of inequality.
He explained that economic activities are often concentrated in central business districts and wealthier suburbs, leaving township residents with limited opportunities for economic participation.
“We cannot separate the issue of safety from the broader objectives of inclusive economic growth and spatial transformation. A safe, reliable, and equitable transport system is essential for the development of township economies, and we are committed to ensuring that the safety of e-hailing users is integral to our developmental strategies,” he said.
The Global Safety Campaign launched by Bolt SA is designed to raise awareness about safety features and initiatives while calling for preventative measures to tackle harassment and violence.
Bolt’s efforts to address these critical issues were warmly received by the MEC, who noted that initiatives like this align with the broader goals of enhancing user confidence and ensuring that e-hailing services remain a safe and viable option for South Africans.
Maile reaffirmed the Gauteng government’s support for Bolt’s safety campaign and encouraged private sector players to follow suit in prioritizing safety and security in their operations.
The event was attended by stakeholders from across the transport and urban mobility sectors, as well as representatives from women’s rights organisations, who commended Bolt for its proactive approach to improving safety standards.
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