Bolt drivers dissatisfied with the suspension of over 6,000 drivers in South Africa

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June 12, 2024
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2 min read
Bolt
  • Bolt drivers and operators in South Africa have described the suspension of drivers as unjustifiable, highlighting it ‘as a part of PR campaign’ at the expense of drivers.
  • Kenny Moretsele, Bolt operator and chairperson of the Ekurhuleni E-hailing Association told ITWeb that the drivers believe that the e-hailing platform is scapegoating them as part of the campaign rather than addressing the actual root causes of crime on the platform.

“The persecution of drivers needs to stop; we've been very clear about this in our previous campaigns. Most, if not all, of the blocked drivers don't even know exactly what they are accused of. 

“The only message they received is that ‘Bolt has noticed suspicious activities on your account’ and that's the only reason given for the blocking via the in-app messaging system,” he revealed. 

Meanwhile, another driver revealed that the company is phasing out vehicles to introduce the new Bajaj Qute to increase profitability.

Weyinmi Aghadiuno, acting head of regulatory and policy at Bolt Africa disagreed with the positions of the drivers, stating that the decision is to address safety concerns on the platform. 

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Last week, reports showed that Bolt South Africa blocked over 6,000 drivers from its mobile app during the past six months, citing misconduct. 

Over time, Bolt has encountered challenges over safety concerns for both drivers and riders. In July 2023, the drivers alongside their counterparts from other e-hailing companies ceased operations asking the companies to address safety issues such as carjacking, illegal vehicle impoundment, and taxi drivers singling out ride-hailing drivers.

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Moreover, in May 2024, a Bolt South Africa driver was arrested and charged to court for allegedly stabbing two women following a dispute over their drop-off location in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, it introduced a stringent verification process before requesting a ride on the platform. With that development, new riders will need to take a clear selfie to verify their identity in addition to the safety precautions already in place before submitting a ride request. 

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