DiDi, the world’s leading mobility platform, continues its rapid expansion journey across South Africa. After successful launches in Gqeberha and Cape Town earlier this year, DiDi will launch in three cities in Gauteng, namely Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Pretoria on 23 August 2021.
As a major global mobility technology platform, DiDi is helping millions of users explore, through its mobility platform, 17 countries and five continents, the most recent launches being South Africa, Ecuador, and Kazakhstan. Much more than just another ride-hailing service, DiDi focuses on providing high-level mobility experiences, safe and flexible entrepreneurship opportunities for driver-partners, and reliable options for the public.
Carina Smith-Allin, DiDi’s Head of PR and Communications for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlights the benefits of DiDi in the country.
“DiDi was launched in South Africa to offer a necessary, high-quality mobility resource to both riders and driver-partners. The platform promotes income opportunities for drivers, and in a country like ours, where unemployment rates and safety are major concerns, this is not only much-needed but highly valuable. DiDi offers the chance to start making great money independently with competitive service fees, localised support, and pioneering safety features.”
She continues, “We believe that mobility should be accessible to everyone safely and efficiently. By entering the market, DiDi provides access to convenient and accessible mobility and economic opportunities with safety, technology, and customer support underpinning everything we do. We put affordable fares, quick and reliable service and safety first. As such, more and more South Africans are reaping the rewards of mobility platforms like DiDi.”
Efficient mobility is key to economic growth
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, who was present at a recent DiDi media event in Cape Town, agrees that safer and more reliable transport is needed in the country, and DiDi contributes to providing a solution. He says, “In South Africa at large, we’re always focused on three fundamental factors, namely safety, job creation and dignity, and DiDi looks to contribute in all of those areas.”
He also outlines the role of safer, more reliable mobility in the growth of the country’s economy. “I believe that one of the key areas the government needs to focus on is safe and reliable public transport for all. We want to grow our economy, attract investment opportunities, and create more jobs. And to do all this, we need proper and efficient mobility.”
Safety first with DiDi*
According to a recent safety perception survey conducted with over 500 DiDi drivers in Cape Town and Gqeberha, 55.2% rated the DiDi app as the safest in South Africa. Further to that, the results of the aforementioned survey also indicated that 73.8% of drivers rated DiDi “Very safe” or “Safe”.
Smith-Allin continues, “DiDi prides itself on its innovative safety features to benefit users and driving partners, some of which are a first in South Africa. Features include facial recognition for drivers, SOS buttons for riders and drivers linked to the local police, 24/7 support via a dedicated safety hotline, preview information for riders and drivers, and safety training for drivers, among others.”
Adaptable, smart geofencing allows drivers to opt-out of servicing unsafe areas, while the platform’s recording monitor checks for any unusual activity during trips, including a change in routes or accidents. There are also linked SOS buttons for riders and an option to unmatch with a driver or rider. Drivers also have complete control over which areas they service based on safety issues and rider availability.
Become a part of the DiDi community
Drivers looking to be partners are encouraged to sign up and join thousands of drivers who have already taken advantage of the entrepreneurial benefits of joining DiDi, including a higher take-home fare thanks to competitive service fees and additional bonuses, flexible payment arrangements, access to in-app safety features, and a 24/7 dedicated support team. Driver-partners will be able to drive for DiDi from 23 August and earn up to R15000 in referral bonuses for referring riders to DiDi.** Furthermore, they can also enjoy the interwoven experience of being part of the DiDi driver community.
Smith-Allin adds that DiDi understands the challenges communities and the transportation industry face with the evolution of urban mobility (rideshare). “As a result, we are committed to creating the freedom and convenience to go places, open up horizons and give South Africans access to new experiences and opportunities through our platform.”
“The DiDi mission is driven by a dedicated local team that values the health and safety of both drivers and riders. With DiDi launching in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni in the next week, the company plans to continue to strive towards providing South Africa with the safest and most affordable mobility service,” she concludes.
