As South Africa gears up to cast their votes and make their voices heard, technology company Uber has announced that riders will be offered a discounted fare for completed trips on election day. Uber says that this is to assist the public to cast their votes during the country’s sixth General Election since 1994 on Wednesday 29 May 2024.
Recognising the importance of ensuring every citizen’s ability to exercise their democratic right, Uber will offer 50,000 riders 35% off both trips to and from their registered polling station, with each ride capped at R40 per trip. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
To access the promo code, riders need to follow the below steps:
- Open your Uber app
- Click on ‘Account’ and then select ‘Wallet’
- Scroll down to ‘Promotions’
- Tap ‘Add promo code’
- Enter the code VOTESA24 and tap ‘Add’
- Request a ride as usual!
“Ensuring that anyone and everyone can exercise their right to vote is a cornerstone of a vibrant and inclusive democracy,” says Kagiso Khaole, General Manager, Uber Sub-Saharan Africa. “At Uber, we understand that reliable and convenient transportation can play a crucial role in being able to make your mark at an important moment for the country, such as the General Elections and we want to play our part in making sure that every voice is heard, as every vote counts.”
Representing a collective reaffirmation of South Africa’s commitment to democracy, unity and inclusive governance, the country’s national elections are an opportunity for all citizens to choose their representatives across various levels of government. These representatives will then shape the policies that chart the course of the nation’s future. Key research on voter participation shows that one of the most significant means of not only enabling, but also increasing, voter participation in elections is by making it easier for registered voters to reach polling stations.
“Through this initiative we hope to do our part to bolster voter turnout, but also foster a sense of inclusivity and empowerment within communities by enabling citizens to engage in the privilege of South Africa’s democratic system,” adds Khaole.