70% of South Africans Turn to Ride-Hailing for Flexible Earning Opportunities, Bolt’s Gig Economy Report Reveals
In a time where economic traditionalism is being challenged by digital innovation, South Africa is witnessing a profound shift in how its citizens earn a living. Bolt, the leading on-demand mobility platform, has released its flagship Gig Economy Report in partnership with Ipsos, providing a data-driven look at the transformative power of ride-hailing.
The report highlights a growing trend: ride-hailing is no longer just a way to get from A to B. It has become a vital financial engine, fostering entrepreneurship and providing a buffer against rising living costs.
Beyond Mobility: The Rise of the “Everyday Entrepreneur”
With South Africa’s unemployment rate recently recorded at 31.4% in early 2026, the gig economy has emerged as more than just a temporary fix. It is a pathway to financial independence.
Simo Kalajdzic, Senior Operations Manager at Bolt, captures this sentiment:
“In South Africa’s current economic climate, ride-hailing is no longer just about mobility—it’s about opportunity. Many drivers are using platforms like Bolt to build income streams, support their households, and take control of their financial futures.”
This “everyday entrepreneurship” allows individuals to create flexible, self-directed livelihoods on their own terms, bypassing the barriers often found in formal employment.
Key Findings: The Numbers Behind the Wheel
The Bolt-Ipsos report offers a clear breakdown of how the gig economy is supporting South Africans:
| Category | Finding |
| Secondary Income | 70% of drivers use the platform as a side hustle to supplement other earnings. |
| Primary Livelihood | 30% of respondents rely on ride-hailing as their main source of income. |
| Standard of Living | Over 90% of drivers report an improvement in their quality of life. |
| Top Motivation | 32% cite financial independence and self-earned income as the primary benefit. |
For many, the earnings are used for the essentials—food, rent, transport, and education—helping to stabilize household finances in an unpredictable economy.
A Catalyst for Economic Stability
The impact of these platforms extends to the broader economy. Bongani Nkosi, Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED), noted that the partnership with Bolt reflects a commitment to inclusive growth. By enabling micro-entrepreneurship, digital platforms help more South Africans participate meaningfully in the economy.
This sentiment is echoed by Soyinka Witness, Strategy Director at Ipsos, who points out that platform-based work is playing a “critical role in supporting income resilience.”
Why It Matters Now
- Income Smoothing: Helps families manage fluctuations in other income sources.
- Youth Employment: Provides an immediate entry point for young people who face a 57% unemployment rate.
- Autonomy: Drivers value the ability to set their own hours and be their own bosses.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation around the future of work gains momentum, the Bolt Gig Economy Report serves as a reminder that innovation and economic inclusion go hand-in-hand. By providing the tools for South Africans to build their own businesses, ride-hailing is doing more than moving people—it’s moving the country toward a more resilient financial future.
