Bolt drivers offered discounted dashcam app to improve safety
Ehailing company Bolt is offering drivers access to a dashboard camera app to help improve their safety.
The app, in partnership with technology provider Driver Technologies, allows drivers to turn their mobile phones into a forward-facing exterior and driver-facing interior dash camera, with videos backed up in the cloud.
Bolt is offering its 'driver partners' a free month of the dashcam app, followed by a 75% discounted rate for R54,99 per month.
The app works in the background of other apps, showing picture-in-picture, so the driver knows they are recording, which will not affect the functionality of the Bolt app. It allows unlimited trip storage, access and sharing capabilities of dashcam footage via the driver cloud.
Lerato Motsoeneng, senior GM for Bolt South Africa, said: 'Driver partners regularly tell us a dashcam can provide them with additional security and peace of mind. However, buying a device that meets their requirements can be expensive, with drivers citing the cost as the main obstacle to getting one. By providing discounted access to premium dashcam functionality, our partnership with Driver Technologies ensures they can access the tools they need to create safer environments for themselves and their passengers at a discounted rate.'
With the scheme, Bolt aims to help reduce safety incidents and support driver partners with evidence for customer support and the police. This can also be useful in insurance claims in case of accidents as the interior and exterior of the car will be recorded. Driver Technologies will provide Bolt drivers with IT support, as well as data handling and processing support.
This is the latest in safety initiatives by Bolt in South Africa, which include rider verification, pickup codes and trusted contacts.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Daily Maverick
After the Bell: Uber, motorbikes and disruption on the road to transport democratisation
There was virtually no change for 50 years, then suddenly a whole revolution in transport. And it hasn't ended yet; there will be more disruption to come. I am sure that I am not alone in finding that one of the biggest frustrations of driving – along with potholes, people who drive on the wrong side of the road, minibus taxis and traffic in general – is the huge rise in the number of people driving motorbikes. I don't have anything against them. They're providing an important service (including to my home), they're moving the economy and, most importantly, they're getting an income for their families. But what really irritates me is that they're forced to drive while looking at their phones. It means that you are behind them and, firstly, scared for them because they're not paying attention and, secondly, hugely irritated because they're driving so slowly as a result. I was reminded of this when I read a report that Uber is now offering what was always going to be the end point of their disruptions in how we get around. Instead of spending money and wasting space in a car, now, in some places, you can get a ride on the back of a motorbike. You can imagine the advantage of this: it's hugely cheap and so many journeys really involve one customer. It also increases your options. You can spend a fortune and arrive at an event in splendid isolation in an Uber Black, rush to that important meeting in a Comfort, just go to work in a Go, or, if you're strapped for cash (and who isn't!), use their motorbike service. It makes so much sense. So often you see someone using the Bolt service, being driven around in a little orange Qute that isn't even a car. Technically, and legally, it's a quadricycle. You probably already know the difference between the two; it's all about size. But you're still wasting all of that space. And if I was given the choice of a ride on the back of a bike, or a trip in one of those, I'd probably take the bike (so long as it's not the middle of the Gauteng winter). What I find really fascinating about this is that, first, it's following trends elsewhere. When I went to Rwanda in 2017, there were motorbikes carrying passengers everywhere. And the service obviously worked; it was quick and cheap. I'm sure the same thing happens in many other countries. But the second thing is how much disruption has occurred in our transport market in just the past 11 years or so. And how much of that has to do with Uber. Before Uber came to South Africa, the car-taxi industry hadn't really changed in about 50 years. Maybe even longer. Taxis were something you saw outside airports and train stations. You knew nothing about the drive and very little about the car. When Uber came, that way of life was not going to last. And those drivers knew it! They used violence to try to force Uber drivers out. Even quite recently, when I used the Gautrain to Pretoria, Uber drivers refused to come to the station because of the taxi men hanging around there. Last week at Cape Town International Airport, I saw people hanging around shouting 'taxi'. Compared with Uber, where you know so much about the driver, and know the car will be reliable, who would use these taxis? But if no one uses them, why are they still hanging around there? The real point though is how quickly this disruption has happened. Virtually no change for 50 years, then suddenly a whole revolution in transport. And it hasn't ended yet; there will be more disruption to come. It's a really good example of how a whole series of technologies around our phones, GPS, credit card payments and many other things have come together to make a real change in the way in which we move around. But it also reminds us of how new technologies work. They start as something cool and fun for the rich, and often end up as a necessity for the middle classes, sometimes even for those who have very little. Because of the nature of innovation involving information (think X, Facebook, and video and music streaming), often these services are available in a very democratic way when they start. In the past, most new innovations were only for the rich and stayed like that for a long time. No longer. Now you can make a lot more money providing services to everyone. Of course, there are always people who lose out. I fear there will be some attacks on people who drive these bikes. It seems to me almost inevitable that this will happen. I also hope and pray that when these drivers are carrying someone behind them, they find a way to both watch the map on the phone and keep their full attention on the road ahead. DM
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Buy now or miss out: Johannesburg property market heats up
As interest rates decline, Johannesburg's property market is heating up, presenting a golden opportunity for buyers and investors. Don't get left behind—find out why experts are urging immediate action! Image: Karen Sandison / Independent Newspapers In a decisive move that could reshape the real estate landscape in Johannesburg, the South African Reserve Bank has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, bringing the home loan interest rate to an unprecedented low of 10.75%—the most favourable level since February 2023. This announcement has sparked urgent calls from property experts for prospective buyers and investors to act swiftly in this buoyant market. Denese Zaslansky, CEO of FIRZT Realty Group, emphasised the growing momentum in property demand since rates began to decline in September last year. 'We have witnessed a remarkable 38% surge in sales and an average price increase of 6% over the past six months,' she noted, pointing out that desirable locations in Johannesburg are already seeing diminishing stock levels. The implications of today's rate cut are significant for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Given that the current average home price in the city is approximately R1.6 million, qualifying for a home loan currently requires a gross monthly income of about R54,200. This figure is R3,600 less than it was this time last year, offering a golden opportunity for many who may have previously felt locked out of the market. Zaslansky warns, however, that time is of the essence. 'If property prices rise by just 5% in the next year, prospective buyers will face higher monthly bond repayments and will need to increase their monthly income by R2,700 to qualify for a home loan, should interest rates remain stable. This will erode the advantages gained from the recent rate cuts,' she cautioned. Today's interest rate decline comes in response to inflation metrics consistently lingering below the Reserve Bank's target range of 3% to 6%. With inflation reported at 2.8% in April, and economic growth failing to gain real traction, the decision reflects a broader shift aimed at boosting consumer confidence and justifying spending amid turbulent market conditions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading According to Zaslansky, a turnaround is imminent. 'We are highly optimistic that we will see rapid advancements in the property market as demand escalates. The number of new developments sprouting across Johannesburg is a clear indicator of rising investment in property, stimulating both job creation and overall economic growth in the region.' With the property market in Johannesburg offering rare opportunities for savvy buyers, Zaslansky's message is clear: the time to act is now. Ignoring this window may mean relinquishing the chance to secure a home at today's favourable rates and prices—an opportunity that may not last long as the market continues to evolve. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
6 days ago
- IOL News
Bolt Invests over R400 000 to support emerging mobility entrepreneurs in SA
Launched in December 2024 in partnership with business academy Pranary, the program attracted over 578 applications nationwide, with Gauteng submitting the highest number. Image: Supplied. E-hailing company Bolt said it concluded its first Accelerator Program in South Africa, awarding €20,000 (over R400 000) in funding to ten participants. Bolt said that the initiative marked a significant step in the company's efforts to support entrepreneurial growth within its driver and courier community. Launched in December 2024 in partnership with business academy Pranary, the program attracted over 578 applications nationwide, with Gauteng submitting the highest number. Women made up 7% of the applicant pool. "When we empower everyday entrepreneurs with the tools to build, we don't just ignite businesses, we transform communities and shape the future of Africa's mobility. True innovation thrives in an ecosystem where ideas are nurtured, collaboration is championed, and every voice has a seat at the table. At Bolt, we're building more than a platform, we are cultivating a movement," said Lerato Motsoeneng, Bolt's Senior General Manager for South Africa. After a rigorous selection process, 120 drivers and couriers were chosen to join the Bolt Academy, where they received training in key areas such as market analysis, value proposition design, customer validation, and basic financial modelling. Twenty participants advanced to the final phase, where they worked closely with industry experts and mentors to refine their ideas. Their journey culminated in a live pitch event, with a panel evaluating their concepts on innovation, feasibility, and community impact. Each of the ten selected finalists received €2000 (over R40,000) in seed funding and will participate in six weeks of additional mentorship to further develop their ventures. At the awards event, three individuals received special recognition for their groundbreaking contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship. The awards highlighted excellence across three key categories: Kamogelo Modise received the Most Innovative Idea award for Lupa Township Delivery A sustainable, cost-effective, zero-emission bicycle delivery network designed to bridge the delivery gap in township communities through a community-driven model. Vutivi Shivambu was awarded the Most Scalable Idea for Liftsearch A ride-sharing platform that connects verified passengers with verified drivers, offering safe, affordable, and convenient long-distance travel to and from rural villages. Shannon Adams won the Best Pitch award for platform that links tourists with vetted drivers who also act as tour guides, enhancing travel experiences with local insights and safe transportation. Sandras Phiri, CEO of Pranary, emphasised the importance of practical application. 'These participants didn't just sit through lectures, they built real businesses,' he said. 'Our mentorship approach brought in active founders and investors to guide them in creating ventures that are not only viable but needed. These entrepreneurs are addressing genuine challenges in the transport space.' The Gauteng Department of Economics (GDED) is Bolt's strategic partner in creating a vibrant economy in Gauteng. Mpho Nawa, the acting Head of Department at GDED, lauded the Accelerator Program as a game-changer and said it was an example of initiative that impact our communities. 'The initiative signifies our commitment to playing a leading role in supporting initiatives that empower communities and create rising stars. This partnership would help with job creation and unlock further economic growth and diversification in townships, leading to more investment from various sectors. This will help us develop a vibrant and competitive economy in the townships, especially in the digital sector. As a Government that cares we recognise the pivotal role that innovation plays in uniting our country. This partnership with Bolt marks a significant step in supporting township businesses," Nawa said. The Accelerator Program reflects Bolt's broader aim to empower its driver and courier community with opportunities beyond the ride, helping them become active contributors to the country's evolving mobility landscape.
