Bolt Launches Real-Time Selfie Verification for Passengers in SA to Enhance E-Hailing Safety
Ride-hailing giant Bolt has rolled out a new safety tool in South Africa, requiring passengers to snap a live selfie for their profiles. This step aims to cut down on fraud and help drivers spot riders more easily at pick-up spots. The launch comes amid rising worries over attacks on e-hailing drivers and fresh government rules to make the sector safer. As violence and threats keep growing in some areas, these changes could help build trust between users and operators. With millions relying on apps like Bolt for daily trips, features like this tackle real risks while fitting into broader efforts to clean up the industry.
The move follows a tough time for e-hailing, with drivers facing robberies, hijackings, and even killings. By adding this layer of check, Bolt hopes to lower those dangers and keep services running smoothly. Meanwhile, new laws push for better standards, showing a team effort to protect everyone on the road.
Rising Safety Concerns Prompt Bolt’s New Feature
The move comes as violence and security threats against e-hailing drivers continue to escalate in parts of the country. The government has also introduced new e-hailing regulations aimed at curbing violence in the sector.
According to the company, the Rider Profile Photo is designed to improve safety by helping drivers identify passengers more easily at pickup points, reduce the risk of rider impersonation, and build greater trust between drivers and riders.
“The feature is designed to take a photo on the spot, meaning that adding photos from the phone gallery won’t be allowed,” the company said.
“This is an extra safety precaution we’re taking to avoid fraud and rider impersonation. Riders will be able to add their profile photo by selecting the menu in their Bolt app, tapping View Profile, and using the Edit button on their photo to add one.”
Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt South Africa, said South Africa’s ride-hailing industry operates in a unique environment where safety is always top of mind.
“Drivers will now more easily identify their passengers at pickup points, reducing uncertainty and helping to prevent misidentification, fraud, or unsafe interactions,” Kalajdzic said.
“The feature is intended solely as a safety tool. It benefits all drivers by providing an extra layer of reassurance before each trip, supporting better acceptance rates and overall driver engagement.”
This real-time selfie must be taken fresh each time a profile photo is added or updated, ensuring it’s current and genuine. Bolt has made it clear that old gallery shots won’t cut it, aiming to stop people from using fake images to hide their identity. This comes after drivers voiced worries about picking up the wrong person or falling for scams.
In recent months, attacks on e-hailing drivers have spiked, with reports of hijackings and assaults in hotspots like Johannesburg and Cape Town. One survey found over 70% of drivers feel unsafe at night, pushing companies like Bolt to add tools like emergency buttons and ride-sharing options. The selfie feature builds on these, giving drivers a quick way to match faces with app details before starting a trip.
New Government Regulations to Curb E-Hailing Violence
Some of the new regulations include the requirement for e-hailing drivers to obtain official operating licenses, mandatory branding of vehicles, and compulsory installation of panic buttons in vehicles to enhance safety for both drivers and passengers.
These rules, part of the amended National Land Transport Act gazetted in September 2025, aim to make the sector safer and more regulated. Vehicles must now show company logos clearly, helping spot fake rides and building trust. Panic buttons link straight to emergency services, allowing quick help in bad situations.
The Act also pushes for better background checks on drivers and real-time tracking for all trips. This comes after a string of crimes, including the murder of several drivers in 2024 and 2025. Government stats show over 500 attacks on e-hailing workers last year alone, prompting these changes to protect lives and livelihoods.
While some drivers welcome the moves, others worry about costs for upgrades like panic buttons and branding. One group said the rules could push small operators out, but officials argue they’re key to cutting risks and making rides safer for everyone.
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