From items sent home to business parcels, Bolt Send data offers a glimpse into how South Africans are using on-demand delivery.
Bolt Send activity in South Africa increased by 97% between January and July 2026, highlighting growing demand for on-demand delivery as individuals and businesses look for ways to move items across their cities.
An analysis of Bolt Send activity across 15 South African cities found that homes were the most common delivery destination, accounting for 40% of trips with a known destination. Sports and recreation venues followed at 13%, while shops and grocery stores accounted for 11%.
The data also shows that customers are using the service to collect items, as well as send them. Almost four in ten orders (39%) were placed by customers arranging for an item to be collected and brought to them.
Businesses are also making use of on-demand delivery. Bolt business accounts made close to 98,000 Bolt Send deliveries between January and July 2026. These included car parts moved between dealerships and small parcels sent between restaurants and offices.
Simo Kalajdzic, Head of External Affairs for Bolt South Africa, said: “An errand can take an hour, even when the item itself is small. For someone managing a busy day, or a business where every pair of hands matters, that can mean putting other responsibilities on hold.
“Bolt Send gives people and businesses a practical way to move items across their cities. Whether it is collecting something they have left behind or sending a parcel to a customer, the service helps make everyday tasks more manageable.”
The data reveals differences in activity across South Africa. Johannesburg recorded 616% more Bolt Send activity than Durban, while activity in Cape Town increased by 175% between January and July 2026.
For small businesses, the ability to arrange individual deliveries can help them respond to customer needs without having to manage every trip themselves. This can be particularly useful for businesses selling through social media or handling local orders that need to reach customers quickly.
Customers using Bolt Send enter a destination, see the price and estimated arrival time upfront, and can track their item in real time. The service also offers recipient tracking and verified handovers, helping customers stay informed as their parcels move from collection to delivery.
“As South Africans increasingly look for convenient ways to manage their time and keep their businesses moving, we see an opportunity for Bolt Send to support the everyday deliveries that can make a real difference,” Kalajdzic added.
