This milestone places Wanatu at the forefront of a new era for the country’s e-taxi industry, which is now under strict national supervision for the first time. (Photo provided by Wanatu)
While big names in the e-taxi industry, including Uber and Bolt, are still at risk of violating the country’s new transport regulations, Wanatu has already got its affairs in order.
This company made history as the first e-taxi service in South Africa to successfully complete the national registration process and receive formal approval in terms of the new National Land Transport Regulations of 2025.
The certificate of registration, which was issued by the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR) on 12 February, confirms that Wanatu fully complies with regulations 15, 16, 17 and 18. The regulations were specifically drawn up to regulate e-taxi service providers in South Africa.
This milestone places Wanatu at the forefront of a new era for the country’s e-taxi industry, which is now under strict national supervision for the first time.
The National Land Transport Amendment Act of 2023, together with the regulations introduced in 2025, created a formal framework for e-taxi platforms. A transition period of 180 days was announced in September last year when the amended regulations were published in the Government Gazette.
(Photo: Provided/ Wanatu)
All service providers are now required for the first time to register with the NPTR at a national level, comply with statutory standards and have their operations comply with prescribed requirements for safety and liability.
In accordance with the new regulations, platforms must now display their brands clearly on vehicles, disclose more information about drivers to passengers and ensure that each vehicle is equipped with a panic button.
Drivers also cannot proceed with their own license applications under the new system until the respective platforms are registered.
This gives Wanatu a significant edge over competitors whose registration processes have not yet been completed.
The e-taxi industry has long been characterized by regulatory uncertainty, but according to Wanatu, he made a deliberate strategic decision to set up his platform strictly according to the country’s transport legislation.
The company has worked closely with regulators and invested in its own systems to ensure that the platform meets the requirements of the amended Act from the start.
“Our goal was clear from the beginning: to work within the law, not around it,” says Anton Grotius, managing director of Wanatu.
(Photo: Provided by Wanatu)
“We have invested significant time and resources to ensure that every element of our platform – from the appointment of drivers to the safety systems in the vehicles – complies with the amended Act.
“For us, legal compliance is not just an administrative exercise; it is the foundation on which we build long-term trust with passengers, drivers and regulators.”
The official registration of Wanatu now sets a clear precedent for the rest of the industry.
“As a proud South African company, Wanatu regards its commitment to the Act not simply as a requirement, but as a duty towards the passengers and the wider transport ecosystem,” says Grotius.
Although the new rules are already in force, Uber and Bolt have not yet completed their national registration. With less than a month left before the 180-day window closes, these platforms run the risk of violating the Act.