Johannesburg, March 2024 – According to Statistics South Africa’s quarterly labour force survey released this month, the official unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023. This essentially means that there were 46,000 more people without jobs in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the three months prior. As the country grapples with these devastating figures, three remarkable women are defying the odds and steering their own destinies as Bolt drivers. Dorcas, Petunia and Agnes found a lifeline in driving for Bolt, their journeys not only symbolise the power of perseverance but also highlight the transformative potential of seizing opportunities during tough economic times in countries like South Africa.
Dorcas, a 40-year-old mother, found herself at a crossroads when unemployment loomed over her. Introduced to Bolt and the MyNextCar, she grabbed the opportunity to create a new path for herself. Driving for Bolt for the past four months, Dorcas has discovered the empowering freedom of being behind the wheel.
As a woman navigating the streets of South Africa, safety concerns often arise, but Dorcas remains undeterred. Despite challenges from meter taxis she says no one really bothers them on the road, and continues to persevere, driven by the positive experiences shared with her riders. Balancing her roles as a mother and wife alongside her career as a Bolt driver is no easy feat. Yet, Dorcas manages, taking occasional breaks during the day and spends time within her family.
Like the hardworking women that she is, Dorcas was one of the five drivers to walk away with a brand new Suzuki car at the annual Driver league competition last year for showcasing exemplary driver behavior and consistently delivering exceptional service in the annual Bolt Driver League.
31-year-old Petunia who sees herself as an entrepreneur and mother, found her calling behind the wheel with Bolt since 2021. For Petunia, the idea of being her own boss and making money around the clock made Bolt an appealing career choice. She thrived on the opportunity to meet new people daily and embraced the entrepreneurial mindset fostered by the platform.
As a woman driving for Bolt in South Africa, Petunia prioritised safety by sticking to suburban areas. Her proactive approach included seating passengers at the back and exclusively accepting women riders, ensuring a smooth and secure ride. Petunia’s diligence paid off, as she managed to save 80k in a year, covering her expenses and even helping her household.
Bold and confident, Agnes, aged 32 a single mother to a 14-year-old old struck gold when curiosity got the better of her and led her to a path of a stable income. When she first heard about the opportunity to drive a Bajaj, she was tempted to try it out, and Six months down the line, she has not looked back since. Despite initial concerns about safety as a woman driving for Bolt in South Africa, she has not encountered any safety incidents and ensures that she avoids hot spot areas provided by Bolt. Reflecting on her rewarding experiences while driving for Bolt, Agnes speaks confidently about her newfound sense of freedom and aspirations for the future.
When asked what her man’s reaction was about her opting to drive for Bolt Lite, she said, ” Unfortunately, there was no reaction because I am a single mother. I’m working hard for my son without anyone blocking.”
All driving on the Bolt Lite category, launched in 2023 with Bolt’s fleet partner MyNextCar, the new category is aimed at creating economic earning opportunities for young people and women. The partnership also provides drivers with access to vehicle financing solutions, thereby removing barriers to car ownership. Through this innovative approach, drivers can obtain a vehicle on a rent-to-own model, allowing them to join the Bolt platform as independent contractors and access additional earning opportunities.
As International Women’s Day approaches, Dorcas, Petunia, and Agnes embody women’s resilience, courage, and unwavering determination everywhere, driving towards a brighter future for themselves and their communities.