How Uber is addressing safety concerns in South Africa
Uber has shown exceptional growth in Africa over the last four years, with over 1.8 million active riders across sub-Saharan Africa.
Uber launched in Johannesburg in 2013, and there are now over 969,000 active riders and 12,000 active drivers using the app in South Africa.
“It is clear that Uber has achieved a lot in a short time frame,” it told MyBroadband.
Uber’s strong growth came with a unique set of challenges in South Africa, which includes resistance from metered taxi operators.
The resistance to Uber has resulted in many security problems for the service, with riders and drivers coming under attack.
The company told MyBroadband it is “deeply committed” to the safety of its riders and drivers.
To address the safety concerns of Uber riders and drivers, the company has introduced various interventions:
- The company launched information sessions and workshops for drivers to improve safety.
- Uber partnered with the National Hijack Prevention Academy and SAPS to equip drivers with safety tips.
- It has hired private security response teams in areas such as Gautrain stations.
- Uber partnered with security response services that can dispatch security and medical services in emergency situations.
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