Published: 16 June 2026

Passengers using the ride-hailing platform [Bolt](https://bolt.eu/en-za/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) in South Africa will soon be required to verify their identities before booking rides, as the company strengthens safety measures in response to growing concerns over attacks on drivers.

Under the new system, riders will be required to provide their identity numbers and submit a selfie photograph before they can access transport services on the platform.

The changes were announced on Monday as part of Bolt's broader strategy to improve safety, accountability and compliance with South Africa's transport regulations.

"The enhanced verification process forms part of Bolt's ongoing efforts to strengthen platform safety, improve accountability, and support compliance with South Africa's National Land Transport Act," the company said.

The move comes amid increasing pressure from drivers and industry stakeholders who have raised concerns about violent incidents targeting e-hailing operators across the country.

South Africa's National Land Transport Act seeks to improve safety standards within the transport sector while promoting greater formalisation of the e-hailing industry.

However, some drivers have questioned aspects of the regulatory framework, arguing that measures such as vehicle branding and dashboard cameras have done little to deter criminals and, in some cases, may have increased drivers' visibility to potential attackers.

For years, driver associations have advocated for mandatory passenger verification, arguing that ensuring customers are identifiable would improve accountability and reduce criminal activity on ride-hailing platforms.

Sbu Ngwane, Senior General Manager of Bolt South Africa, said the new verification requirements are intended to protect both drivers and passengers.

"Expanding rider verification is an important step in strengthening accountability on the platform because accountability is enhanced when users are verified and identifiable," Ngwane said.

"We continue to invest in a broader safety ecosystem that combines technology, education, partnerships, operational safeguards and collaboration with regulators and law enforcement."

According to Bolt, the verification process has been designed to be simple and user-friendly. Riders will receive prompts through the app requesting them to submit their identity number and take a selfie.

In most instances, verification will be completed automatically within minutes.

Where automatic verification is unsuccessful, users will be asked to upload an official identity document for further validation.

The company said the process is supported by an external verification partner and includes checks against records maintained by the Department of Home Affairs to ensure the accuracy of identity information submitted by riders.

Bolt said the rollout will be implemented gradually across South Africa, although users can choose to verify their identities voluntarily before the requirement becomes mandatory in their area.

"By strengthening identity verification, Bolt aims to further enhance accountability on the platform while supporting broader efforts to improve safety outcomes for both riders and driver partners," the company said.

The Estonia-headquartered technology company has committed approximately R1.877 billion between 2024 and 2027 towards improving safety across its platform through enhanced technology, safety tools, support systems and operational safeguards.

The latest measures reflect a growing industry-wide focus on safety as ride-hailing operators seek to balance convenience with stronger protections for both drivers and passengers in an increasingly challenging operating environment.
- The Herald