told<\/a> Lotus FM that each ride would have a verified passenger and a verified driver with their credentials stored cryptographically on a decentralised blockchain.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis makes the data impossible to forge or alter, Reddy said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While passenger safety was one of the significant concerns when e-hailing platforms launched in South Africa, the safety of drivers has recently become a prominent issue as many are targeted for their smartphones or vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reddy also said the platform would appeal to drivers and treat them more like employees than independent contractors due to the benefits the company offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“What we realise in the e-hailing industry is that there are many gaps in the market as there are no driver benefits, such as medical insurance or driver death or disability benefits,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We are differentiating ourselves from other platforms by offering drivers these benefits, and we have eliminated the commission-based model.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Twytch said it partnered with Momentum to offer drivers health benefits and FNB to provide financial solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No longer paying drivers a commission means they will be compensated per kilometre and minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Twytch will also feature a surge-free pricing system, with passengers paying fixed rates based on real-time conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Riders will also only be able to make card and in-app wallet payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reddy said the initial rollout will involve hiring a limited number of drivers in South Africa’s major cities: 5,000 in Joburg, 3,000 in Cape Town, 2,500 in Pretoria, and 2,000 in Durban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is to ensure there is a steady supply of drivers relative to the number of passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Twytch app for passengers and drivers will become available in February, said Reddy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exactly what drivers want<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
These driver-centric features may just be able to win over drivers who have been complaining about working conditions under Bolt, inDrive, and Uber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In September 2024, Cape Town e-hailing drivers took to the streets to demand that South Africa impose more stringent regulations on the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The drivers said they wanted reinstatement for those unfairly removed from platforms, higher pay, and improved safety features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Western Cape E-Hailing Association (WCEA) secretary-general, Omar Parker, criticised platforms, saying that drivers are paid little because companies’ commission rates are very high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One driver on strike said that Uber had taken 42% of the R4,000 he had earned, leaving him with R2,320. He said his fuel expenses for the day were R1,700.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drivers were also frustrated that e-hailing platforms had not adjusted their fairs despite increasing fuel prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The WCEA said it demanded R13.50 per kilometre instead of Uber’s rate of R5 for Uber Go, under R6 for Uber X, and roughly R10 for Uber XL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bolt responded to the strike by saying it was opening a driver engagement centre for drivers to discuss these matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uber said it was aware of the protest and committed to maintaining open communication.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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