inDrive’s application for registration has been approved by South Africa’s National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR), formally confirming compliance with the country’s updated regulatory framework for e-hailing services.
The approval represents a key operational milestone for inDrive in South Africa, placing the platform within the formal regulatory system governing e-hailing, and reinforcing its position as a compliant participant in the country’s evolving public transport landscape.
The approval provides drivers with greater clarity and certainty within the licensing environment, supporting their ability to obtain lawful operating licences under South Africa’s transport regulations. For passengers, it strengthens confidence that trips arranged through the platform operate within a regulated framework designed to enhance oversight, accountability and consumer protections.
The approval is issued under Section 66A of the National Land Transport Amendment Act and the 2025 Regulations governing e-hailing platform providers, which set out the requirements for digital transport platforms and define the compliance pathway for drivers and operators in the sector.
Ashif Black, Country Representative for inDrive South Africa, says the approval reflects sustained engagement with regulators and a commitment to building within the country’s formal transport system.
“The approval confirms that inDrive meets the statutory and operational requirements set out for digital ride-hailing services in South Africa,” says Black. “It is an important milestone in formalising e-hailing as part of the country’s public transport system and strengthens the environment in which both drivers and passengers operate.”
He adds that inDrive engaged with the NPTR throughout the application process following submission in December 2025. “The e-hailing sector is evolving into a more structured part of public transport in South Africa. We support that direction and will continue engaging constructively as the framework develops.”
Black says the approval is part of inDrive’s broader commitment to regulatory alignment across its markets and long-term participation in South Africa’s mobility sector.
He notes that the platform continues to operate its marketplace model, allowing drivers and passengers to negotiate and agree on fares directly within the app, alongside a low service fee structure designed to support driver earnings while maintaining passenger choice over pricing.
With NPTR approval in place, Black says inDrive will continue working with government and industry stakeholders to support a safer, more transparent and more competitive e-hailing sector in South Africa.
