The rise of dash cam technology in South Africa's e-hailing sector
Bolt South Africa e-hailing drivers have welcomed dash cameras in their vehicles.
Image: File
South Africa has emerged as the leading market for Bolt’s approved dash cams, with 2,724 drivers now using the devices, a development the company says reflects growing pressure for stronger safety tools across the e-hailing sector.
Bolt released the figures placing South Africa ahead of Nigeria’s 1,596 users and Paraguay’s 1,028. The data comes at a time when national debates around passenger security, driver protection, and accountability continue to shape policy discussions in major cities.
According to Bolt, the rapid local uptake indicates that drivers are prioritising both transparency and personal safety as incidents involving e-hailing vehicles receive heightened public attention. The company noted that the adoption trend is being led not by regulation but by drivers themselves choosing to install the technology.
Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt South Africa, stated that this milestone reflects a broader shift in drivers' perceptions of their safety responsibilities.
“South Africa’s drivers have shown the world what it truly means to put safety first. Their rapid adoption of dash cams sends a powerful message: when innovation meets community, real progress happens,” he said.
“Every dash cam installed is more than a device; it is a commitment to dignity, protection, and trust for every person who enters a vehicle.”
Bolt confirmed that it plans to expand the programme to more provinces, saying the company will continue working with regulators, safety organisations, and its driver community as demand grows.
The initiative forms part of a broader push to improve monitoring tools, strengthen accountability, and support incident investigations.
The company said the milestone underscores how technology is reshaping urban mobility, particularly in markets where safety concerns remain a key barrier to trust in e-hailing services.