By Johnathan Paoli
The Department of Transport has officially gazetted the long-awaited National Land Transport Amendment Act and its accompanying regulations, formally recognising e-hailing services as an official mode of public transport, placing them alongside traditional minibus taxis, buses, and metered cabs.
Department spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed that the Act introduces e-hailing as a new service type, expanding the choices available to commuters.
“The Act affirms and officially recognises the e-hailing service that has, until now, been treated as an illegal operation by some service type operators on the streets,” Msibi said.
For years, e-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and others have operated in a regulatory grey zone, often facing hostility from traditional operators who viewed them as illegal competitors.
The gazetting of the Act is expected to bring stability, accountability, and safety to a sector that has grown rapidly despite lacking formal legal recognition.
All public transport operators, including e-hailing providers, will now be required to hold valid operating licences.
This, Msibi emphasised, is central to ensuring that services are authorised, compliant, and safe for passengers.
The Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) offices will oversee applications and verify compliance before licences are issued.
Applicants for an operating licence will be subjected to a standard application fee, although the department made clear that other operational costs fall outside its mandate.
The amended regulations place a strong emphasis on commuter safety and service quality.
Among the most notable requirements is that all e-hailing vehicles must be branded or display a sign identifying them as such.
Passengers are also urged to double-check that driver and vehicle details on their app match the vehicle that arrives for pickup, exercising caution if there are discrepancies.
In addition, drivers must hold the requisite documents proving eligibility and compliance, while vehicle owners carry the responsibility of ensuring their cars meet regulatory standards.
One of the most significant new provisions is the requirement for panic buttons to be installed in all e-hailing vehicles.
Msibi said that this feature will enable passengers to call for immediate assistance in emergencies.
“The panic button will assist with crime detection and enable a rapid response by law enforcement or tracking companies,” the spokesperson said.
The Act also imposes new responsibilities on technology companies that operate e-hailing platforms.
App developers are prohibited from allowing drivers to use their platforms without an operating licence. Non-compliance carries heavy penalties: fines of up to R100,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.
Furthermore, all e-hailing apps must be registered with regulators and comply with existing company laws in South Africa. This includes registration with the Trade, Industry, and Competition department, and the South African Revenue Service.
The department noted that other requirements may apply, which could involve additional costs for operators and companies.
To ensure a smooth rollout of the new legal framework, the department has committed to hosting nationwide workshops for operators, regulators, and officials. These sessions will begin next week and are expected to provide guidance on compliance, licensing processes, and operational expectations.
According to the department, these engagements will also serve to address questions from both operators and commuters, helping the sector transition effectively into the new regulatory environment.
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