Driving in South Africa ranked 4th ‘most challenging’ globally - report

702's Relebogile Mabotja chats to Michael Pashut, owner of the online platform Change Cars and host of All Things Motoring.

Listen below:

South Africa has been ranked the fourth most challenging country to drive in, according to the 2025 World's Best Drivers Index.

"I think it's a little bit harsh to say fourth most difficult. Literally every country in Africa, going North, would be more difficult. However, we are not the best... we are not European or Asian standards."

- Michael Pashut, owner of Change Cars & host of All Things Motoring

The report assessed 56 countries on road quality, traffic congestion, and road safety. 

While South Africa's road infrastructure is praised for its first-world layout in parts, systemic issues like lawlessness, poor regulation, and failing enforcement continue to make driving conditions dangerous.

Pashut highlights the dominant role that unregulated taxi operations, rampant alcohol consumption, and poor road markings play in contributing to chaos on the roads.

He singles out the minibus taxi industry as the biggest factor, citing its unpredictability and disregard for traffic laws – particularly during peak hours. 

"I believe the biggest challenge in South Africa is, sadly, the taxi organisations."

- Michael Pashut, owner of Change Cars & host of All Things Motoring

Other major concerns include widespread drinking and driving (not just by motorists, but also pedestrians) reckless behaviour at intersections, and drivers ignoring basic rules such as 'keep left, pass right.'

Pashut stresses that while speeding is often blamed, it's usually bad driving habits and unroadworthy vehicles that are behind fatal accidents.

"We are doing terribly... the authorities, the government, they are not doing what they can."

- Michael Pashut, owner of Change Cars & host of All Things Motoring

Adding to the concern is the lack of cycle lanes and the prevalence of poorly trained or undocumented motorbike couriers, especially in urban centres. 

According to Pashut, these riders often ignore traffic lights, road signage, and basic road safety, contributing to the country’s overall decline in driving standards. 

"Obey the rules and everybody benefits... break the rules and everybody's affected."

- Michael Pashut, owner of Change Cars & host of All Things Motoring

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