Bolt Drivers and riders in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa, have regularly reported multiple cases of assault or theft while using the platform as customers or drivers. Incidences of theft, kidnappings, assault and rape have been reported and clarity from Bolt on what they intend to do about it does not seem to be forthcoming. Instead, those running the platform seem more interested in presenting “attractive” discounts on their platforms after incidents occur. 

This is a common theme across Africa, are people safe when using Bolt? Even before, when Bolt was Taxify, such cases were rampant. And what was Bolt’s response to this mess? A rebrand. Well, changing your clothes, fixing your make up and spritzing perfume does NOT change the underlying issues, it only makes it worse. 

We are tired of seeing horrific Twitter threads and Facebook posts on gruesome experiences of Bolt users and drivers! We want a conversation with Bolt leadership, to address these challenges and share a clear plan on how they intend to reduce harm on their platform. Their social media pages are colorful with complaints and yet, crickets. 

Enough is enough. It’s time for Africans to stand up for their people. Protect them. We cannot continue living in fear, while trying to get from point A to point B. Deleting and boycotting the app is not enough; Bolt should be held to account to provide a safe environment for its drivers and its riding customers. 

These are our demands:

1. That Bolt’s leadership attend a call with those concerned who have signed the petition and victims that wish to engage, across the continent in countries they operate in.

2. That Bolt’s leadership in Africa present a clear plan on how they intend to ensure safety on their platform and the timelines for action.

3. That the women driver option is not more expensive than the other options on the app as this is punishing women with paying more for unsafe environments on the app.