Celebrating our #UberHEROES

In today’s society, heroes are everyday people who work hard, are honest and have integrity. Those that are able to emerge victoriously through trying situations. The Late Nelson Mandela said “When people are determined they can achieve anything.”

With that in mind, Uber would like to celebrate and recognise a few of our extraordinary driver-partners who, through their determination, have managed to achieve great success. These hardworking individuals are South Africa’s everyday heroes.

Sibusiso is local Gautenger who is proudly South African.

S’bu has been using the Uber app since July last year and says that the best part of what he does is getting to meet new people every single day. “I am never bored at work! I love the flexibility and the independence that comes from using the Uber app! I have a four year old daughter, and because I choose my own hours I get to spend more time with her.” A few years back, Sibusiso was retrenched from a role in Marketing and when asked if he would ever go back, he quickly replies “Definitely not, things happen for a reason. Uber is a chance to be my own boss and create my own South African company. I plan on growing my business by adding more vehicles and helping others who need employment.”

S’bu is a professionally trained musician – who loves to play the piano and, “tries to sing … just not when riders are in the car”, he jokes.

This is Diane, one of our incredible #UberWOMEN, who is based in Cape Town.

Diane began driving with Uber in December 2015, just in time to experience the excitement of the festive season in Cape Town first hand. “Visitors and locals alike express their satisfaction with the Uber experience. I realised just how much Uber has changed people’s lives. Uber has given independence to so many by providing safe and affordable rides. Ladies, in particular, have taken advantage of the service and are now requesting a car with confidence, knowing that their driver is registered and has been vetted. The service is also being used by youngsters who would normally have used “Mom’s Taxi” and they love it. Both mom and son or daughter. The most important change has come in the shift in attitude toward drinking and driving. Young adults are choosing the responsible way and requesting an Uber instead of risking the drive home under the influence. Uber has certainly changed the way my friends and family travel.”

Meet Hope, an Uber driver-partner based in Pretoria, who hails from Tembisa in Johannesburg.

We asked Hope to tell us a little bit about his experience with Uber so far… “I am extremely happy to be my own boss. Uber has changed my life and helped me to achieve a personal goal – having my own brand new car. Through Uber I provide for my family and I get to see them often because I choose my hours of work. The best thing about being an Uber partner is that I meet and interact with so many different people and cultures – I’ve learnt to say hello in so many different languages.” Hope loves spending time with his children and sitting back to watch cricket and soccer.

“My name is Mthuthuzeli Qqoboka. My friends call me Mthu.”

“I was born in Port Elizabeth and raised by my granny. She taught me to respect people and to do my best, as this gives people an idea of what kind of family or background you come from. I started using the Uber app when it launched in PE in December 2015 and I just love driving people around! For me, the best thing about Uber is that I am able to give people who have never owned a car a sense of freedom. It is a privilege and honour for me to meet people from all over the world and be their driver!”

Introducing Paul. One of our JHB based #UberHEROES.

Paul started using the Uber platform soon after it launched in South Africa – and has operated in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. He is currently renting his vehicle but is saving up to buy his own soon. Paul’s favourite thing about Uber is the freedom it gives him and the opportunity to learn how to become a leader. “Nobody forces me to go out, but I have a commitment to myself to succeed.” He also has a three year old child, and he loves that he can spend time with him thanks to the flexibility of Uber. Paul is not looking back as he sees a bright future with Uber. “When I joined, my mindset shifted from looking for a job to building a business where I can hire people one day. Uber has taught me to invest in myself.”

This is Malusi from Glenwood in Durban. He was on the Uber platform driving for someone else for 8 months before saving up enough money to buy his own vehicle. Malusi had to put a hold on his studies due to financial reasons, but he says that he is now making enough money to go back to the books in June later this year. One of his goals is to become a soccer coach, and he is currently coaching an Under 15 side in KwaMashu to work towards this goal.