Ride-hailing is increasingly being used as a source of income for South Africans, with 70% of gig workers relying on it as a secondary source of income, according to a new report from Bolt in partnership with Ipsos.
The findings highlight the growing role of digital platforms in supporting income generation and financial resilience, as high unemployment and rising living costs shape the country's labor market.
Primary and Secondary Income Support
The report shows that while most participants use ride-hailing to supplement existing earnings, a significant portion depend on it as their main source of income.
About 70% of respondents use ride-hailing as a secondary income source, while 30% depend on it as their primary livelihood.
The data points to the growing role of platform-based work in helping households manage income volatility and meet day-to-day expenses.
Gig economy model is gaining popularity in the local labor market
The report defines gig work as a flexible, short-term income-generating activity enabled through digital platforms.
In the ride-hailing sector, this includes drivers working on platforms like Bolt, either as side income or as independent micro-entrepreneurs.
This model is gaining popularity in South Africa as workers look for flexible earning opportunities in a limited job market.
Simo Kalajdzic, senior operations manager at Bolt, said: “In South Africa’s current economic climate, ride-hailing is no longer just about mobility; it is about opportunity.
“Many drivers are using platforms like Bolt to create sources of income, support their families, 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.”
Income is linked to better living standards
According to Ipsos' findings, more than 90% of drivers report an improvement in their quality of life.
Income generated through ride-hailing is generally used to cover essential expenses such as food, fare, transportation, and education.
The report said this income helps households stabilize finances, generate smooth earnings and reduce dependence on irregular income sources.
Financial independence is a major driver for participation
The survey highlights financial freedom as the primary motivator for gig work participation.
About 32% of respondents identified self-earned income and financial freedom as the most important benefits.
For many drivers, the ability to earn flexibly while maintaining control over working hours remains a major attraction.
Platforms are seen as providing economic stability
The findings show that ride-hailing platforms are playing a growing role in supporting economic activity, especially in high unemployment environments.
With many families facing financial pressures, access to flexible and consistent income streams is becoming more important.
The report presents gig work as a mechanism to maintain economic participation and support household stability.
Gauteng Department of Economic Development spokesperson Bongani Nkosi said: “The findings of this report reinforce the important role that digital platforms are playing in increasing access to economic opportunities in Gauteng.
“Our partnership with Bolt reflects our shared commitment to enabling inclusive growth, supporting micro-entrepreneurship and ensuring that more South Africans can meaningfully participate in the economy. As a government, we are focused on creating an enabling environment that balances innovation with security and long-term sustainability.”
Soyinka Witness, strategy director at Ipsos, said: “This research highlights the growing importance of the gig economy in the South African labor 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 standards of living and greater financial stability as a result.
“These findings point to the important role that platform-based work is playing in supporting income flexibility, entrepreneurship and broader economic participation.”
The report comes as discussions continue on the future of work and the role of digital platforms in economic inclusion in South Africa.
Its findings highlight how ride-hailing is contributing to income generation, entrepreneurship and financial resilience in a challenging economic environment.