Latest news with #LeratoMotsoeneng
IOL News
20-06-2025
- IOL News
Concerns mount over ride-hailing safety after Simthande Myeza's abduction in South Africa
Simthande Myeza, a digital creator from Durban who was abducted while using Bolt. Image: Instagram In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through South Africa, popular digital content creator Simthande Myeza was abducted at gunpoint on June 17, 2025, shortly after boarding a vehicle arranged through the ride-hailing service, Bolt. The kidnapping took place in the Umbilo area in Durban, raising significant concerns over the safety protocols of such services. Contacted for comment, Lerato Motsoeneng, Senior General Manager for Bolt South Africa, expressed deep concern over the incident. 'We are aware of the incident currently being shared online involving a rider, Simthande Myeza, who reportedly experienced a deeply disturbing situation while using our platform,' she said. 'We want to express our sincere concern and sympathy. We are committed to handling this matter with the utmost seriousness and will fully support the relevant authorities in addressing it.' Motsoeneng further indicated that the company's safety team had already reached out to Myeza to gather more information and to better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. 'While we are still in the process of verifying the trip information, we remain committed to engaging all parties to ensure the matter is thoroughly addressed. The safety of our community is our highest priority,' she stated. The abduction has reignited public scrutiny regarding the safety measures implemented by ride-hailing services, with calls emerging for Bolt's cancellation or shutdown in South Africa. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Anele Mdoda's X post expressing anger on the abduction of Durban digital content creator, Simthande Myeza. Image: X Prominent radio personality Anele Mdoda added her voice to the outcry on social media platform X. She re-shared a statement from Myeza's family, without words, punctuating her emotions with an angry face emoji, reflecting the widespread anger among the public. Mdoda herself has had a frightening experience with ride-hailing services. Back in February, she described a tense encounter with an Uber driver, claiming he became aggressive after she selected the 'don't talk to me' option. 'In my country, we would assault you to teach you a lesson,' the driver allegedly told her, illustrating the dangerous situations passengers can face. The conversation on X following Mdoda's post highlighted the growing fear regarding ride-hailing services. Users echoed similar sentiments with comments such as: @SoberPanAfrika stating, '@boltapp needs to be shut down in SA,' while @NxeleN added, 'Delete @ is the most dangerous app you can have installed.' Concerns only amplified with @Driza84 questioning, 'Too many scary stories from Bolt.. why is @GovernmentZA not doing anything about this company?' Myeza is safe and currently recovering from the ordeal with the support of friends and family. With the investigation into the Myeza abduction under way, Bolt has reiterated its commitment to cooperating with the authorities to promote safety on its platform. As the public awaits further developments on the case, the broader implications for ride-hailing safety remain a pressing topic of discussion.
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- 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.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Bolt's new feature tracks flights and adjusts airport pick-up times
Bolt South Africa has introduced 'Flight Tracking for Scheduled Rides', enabling customers to sync their flight details when scheduling an airport pick-up. If a flight is delayed or cancelled, Bolt will automatically adjust the pick-up time or cancel the ride at no extra cost to the customer. To schedule a ride, customers simply tap the 'Schedule' button on the home screen next to the destination search bar. After entering their arrival airport and destination, they can select 'Add flight details' to input their flight's landing date, airline, flight number, or departure city. Customers will also be prompted to choose how many minutes after landing they wish to be picked up allowing Bolt to reschedule the ride automatically based on any flight updates. Lerato Motsoeneng, senior general manager at Bolt, says, 'Bolt is an official ride-hailing partner at more than 30 airports globally, including OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), Cape Town International Airport (CPT), King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Lanseria International Airport (HLA), and Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ). This allows customers to travel directly from Arrivals without the need to find separate pick-up points. With Flight Tracking for Scheduled Rides, our private and Bolt Business customers can now enjoy peace of mind knowing their ride will adjust if their flight is delayed or cancelled at no extra charge. This means less time spent waiting at the airport and more reliable, seamless travel regardless of the hour.' The new feature follows last year's extension of Bolt's ride scheduling window to 90 days. In South Africa, Bolt Business continues to grow steadily, offering companies a convenient and cost-effective solution to manage employee and client transportation. Businesses benefit from scheduled rides, centralised billing, and detailed reporting all while using the same trusted Bolt platform. With growing demand for reliability in corporate travel, Flight Tracking enhances Bolt Business' value proposition, particularly at major South African airports. Bolt is seeing a sharp rise in advance ride bookings, with its Ride Scheduling feature recording a 275% increase in usage locally. Given that airports are the most popular destination for Bolt trips, Bolt aims to make it even easier for customers to spot pick-up areas, which will help limit waiting time for airport pick-ups by matching a customer's trip with the next available driver partner in the airport's ride-hailing queue. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
TimesLIVE
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
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.
