Discover how ride-hailing is becoming a vital source of income for South African gig workers, with 70% using it as a secondary income stream and 30% relying on it as their primary livelihood.
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About 70% of South African gig workers are using ride-hailing as a secondary source of income, underlining its growing importance as a dependable side hustle in a constrained economic environment. At the same time, 30% rely on it as their primary source of income, highlighting its role as a daily livelihood for many households navigating high unemployment and rising living costs.
These insights form part of the flagship Gig Economy Report released by Bolt in partnership with Ipsos, offering a detailed look at how digital platforms are reshaping the way South Africans earn, spend, and sustain themselves. The findings point to a significant shift, where ride-hailing is no longer viewed merely as a transport solution, but increasingly as a practical pathway into income generation and entrepreneurship.
According to Simo Kalajdzic, senior operations manager at Bolt, the role of ride-hailing has evolved alongside the country’s economic pressures. “In South Africa’s current economic climate, ride-hailing is no longer just about mobility; it’s about opportunity.
"Many drivers are using e-hailing platforms to build income streams, support their households, and take control of their financial futures. What we are seeing is the rise of everyday entrepreneurship, where individuals are creating flexible, self-directed livelihoods on their own terms.”
The report defines gig work as flexible, short-term income-generating activities enabled through digital platforms. Within the ride-hailing sector, this refers to drivers who use platforms such as Bolt to earn income on flexible terms, either supplementing existing earnings or operating as independent micro-entrepreneurs. In South Africa, this model is increasingly translating into tangible improvements in livelihoods.
Research conducted by Ipsos shows that the benefits extend well beyond income generation. More than 90% of drivers report an improvement in their standard of living, with earnings typically directed towards essential expenses such as food, rent, transport, and education. This income plays a critical role in stabilising household finances, smoothing irregular earnings, and reducing reliance on less predictable sources of income. For many participants, ride-hailing represents more than just work; it serves as an entry point into broader economic participation and entrepreneurial activity.
The data also sheds light on what motivates individuals to enter the gig economy. Thirty-two percent of respondents identified self-earned income and financial independence as the most significant benefit, reflecting a growing preference for autonomy and control over earnings. For many drivers, the flexibility offered by ride-hailing platforms allows them to balance multiple income streams while maintaining a degree of independence that traditional employment may not provide.
Beyond individual benefits, the report highlights the broader economic role of ride-hailing platforms as stabilisers in a challenging labour market. With unemployment remaining persistently high, particularly among young people, gig work is enabling more South Africans to remain economically active, meet basic needs, and improve their quality of life. The ability to generate consistent, flexible income is becoming increasingly important in helping households navigate ongoing financial uncertainty.
Bongani Nkosi, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, noted that the findings underscore the growing importance of digital platforms in expanding access to economic opportunities. “The findings of this report reinforce the important role that digital platforms are playing in expanding access to economic opportunities across Gauteng. Our partnership with Bolt reflects a shared commitment to enabling inclusive growth, supporting micro-entrepreneurship, and ensuring that more South Africans can participate meaningfully in the economy. As a government, we remain focused on creating an enabling environment that balances innovation with protection and long-term sustainability.”
Adding to this, Soyinka Witness, strategy director at Ipsos, emphasised the broader labour market implications. “This research highlights the growing significance of the gig economy in South Africa’s labour market. A large proportion of participants are using ride-hailing to supplement income, while some rely on it as a primary livelihood. Importantly, many respondents report improved living standards and greater financial stability as a result. These findings point to the critical role that platform-based work is playing in supporting income resilience, entrepreneurship, and broader economic participation.”
The release of the report comes at a time when discussions around the future of work, unemployment, and economic inclusion are gaining traction across South Africa. Its findings offer a compelling perspective on how ride-hailing is not only transforming income generation but also enabling entrepreneurship and strengthening financial resilience in an increasingly uncertain economic landscape.
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