ITWeb TV: Bolt drivers earned R42.3bn in SA since 2016

Bolt, the South African e-hailing company, has paid more than R42.3 billion to driver operators since launching in the country a decade ago. The local e-hailing sector has generated significant economic activity, with Bolt's operations forming part of a global platform that has expanded beyond its original ride-hailing business model.

The company now operates in over 50 countries and 600 cities, offering services such as food delivery, micro-mobility, car rental, and grocery delivery. Simo Kalajdzic, senior operations manager at Bolt South Africa, attributes the company's expansion to a broader platform strategy, combining mobility services with consumer services.

Despite challenges, consumer demand has grown, and many drivers view the local ride-hailing industry as an important source of income, either as a primary source or as a supplement to existing earnings. In 2016, Bolt onboarded over 500,000 driver operators, and more than 30 million passengers have used the platform at least once.

The R42.3 billion paid to operators reflects the financial flows generated through the platform, though the company does not disclose the number of active drivers. Bolt charges a 24% commission on each completed trip, and drivers must account for expenses such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, vehicle financing, and safety equipment.

Safety remains a concern for the South African e-hailing industry, with frequent protests over low earnings, high commissions, and rising operating costs. However, Bolt states that dashcam footage circulating on social media should not be taken as evidence of increased crime, as the volume of footage is a result of more drivers installing cameras in their vehicles.

The company's technology-driven approach includes trip-anomaly detection and emergency-response mechanisms, but there is a vulnerability in identity verification systems, as demonstrated by the case of a 22-year-old driver murdered by criminals posing as riders. Bolt has since implemented additional safeguards to address this issue.