Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has reported that the official unemployment rate rose from 32.1% to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024. This means the unemployment rate increased by 0.8 percentage points to 41.9% in the first quarter of 2024. The results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicate that the number of employed persons increased by 22,000 to 16.7 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. While the number of employed people increased by about 22,000 since the fourth quarter of 2023, unemployed people increased by 330,000 to 8.2 million during the first quarter of 2024.
With these devastating stats, young people’s employment prospects remain slim. Like many people living in South Africa, Themba Ntsele, a Bolt driver-partner, took advantage of the earning opportunities presented by Bolt when things took a turn for the worst during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, Themba, a TikTok sensation, shares his experience and his journey to economic freedom with Bolt as a young person in South Africa.
- How did you first hear about the opportunity to drive with Bolt, and what motivated you to join the platform?
I first heard about Bolt on social media through online ads and some friends who were already familiar with the company. I started using the app as a rider for a short while and based on the feedback I received from other drivers, it didn’t take me long to consider becoming a driver myself. I then started driving just after the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Can you describe your experience with the onboarding process at Bolt?
The experience has been amazing. The onboarding process was thorough and efficient, and I didn’t wait too long to start driving. The app is constantly evolving, and the convenience and flexibility of always deciding when and where I drive are absolutely incredible.
- How has driving with Bolt impacted your financial situation and overall quality of life?
Driving with Bolt has improved my credit score as I now receive a steady and consistent monthly income. Driving with Bolt has also improved my communication skills as I engage with different people daily.
- What are some of the skills or experiences you’ve gained since you started driving with Bolt?
I have definitely learnt how to manage my money better. As a driver, I consider myself a small business owner, and I am responsible for my own well-being. I also now value my time because no driving means no pay, and I enjoy the freedom it comes with.
- How has the flexibility of driving with Bolt helped you manage your personal and professional commitments?
I love that I can choose when to go online and take trips with no one putting pressure on me. This has taught me to be disciplined and manage my time better, and I understand that no trips means no money for the day, which pushes me to perform.
Can you share any memorable or positive experiences you’ve had with passengers while driving for Bolt?
I love music, and I am accommodating to my passengers. I always ask them what music they would like to listen to. Each trip is always interesting, and I have enjoyed learning about new musicians outside of my comfort zone. My passengers always make my day with tiny little things.
- How does Bolt support you in maintaining safety and providing high-quality service to passengers?
Bolt is always introducing new features to the app to improve safety. As you know, South Africa is one of the unsafest countries in the world. Over the past year, a number of safety features have been launched. These include an in-trip audio recording feature and trip monitoring, which detects when the vehicle stops for too long and asks you if you’re okay. Not forgetting the trip-sharing feature that allows me to share exactly where I am with my loved ones as well as an in-app emergency button when pressed, Bolt dispatches a response team.
- What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a driver with Bolt, especially in the context of high unemployment rates?
I would say go for it, set your daily target right, make sure you hit it, stay calm, be polite and patient, and take it easy on the roads. You’ll enjoy the freedom that comes with being in control of your finances.
- How do you see your future with Bolt, and what goals do you hope to achieve through this opportunity?
I am looking at owning more cars that operate within the platform and growing my earnings. I have also formed a group of the top 1% of drivers like myself, and I’m keeping it going to inspire others, educate people about the realities of being a Bolt driver, and clear some of the misconceptions people may have about driving with Bolt.
- In what ways has Bolt contributed to your sense of job security and personal growth?
I am happy that I can say I am no longer one of the “unemployed” people in this country, and that’s because of the opportunities that Bolt has afforded people like myself. I can also say that I feel like a professional driver, and I find driving calming. I have also learnt the importance of good service delivery and want to keep my driver score at 5.