Growing up in Alberton helped shape the future of a young entrepreneur who now hopes to change the way South Africans access transport.

Mayberry Park resident Dumisane Zikalala, who was born in Soweto and later lived in South Hills before moving to Alberton, is preparing for the pilot launch of Ridebox Technologies, a start-up focused on creating solar-powered, AI-integrated kiosks that connect commuters with transport services.

The former Bracken High School learner credits several teachers for helping him discover a passion he never knew he had.

“My experience growing up in Alberton was truly great. When I started at Bracken High School, I was exposed to a lot of positive influences. My maths teacher, Mr Mafuya, and my CAT teacher, Mr Guri, really pushed me, especially during times when I doubted myself,” said Zikalala.

Initially, he planned to study architecture, but his teachers recognised his talent for technology and encouraged him to pursue information technology instead.

After matriculating, Zikalala moved to Cape Town, where he completed a Diploma in ICT Application Development at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

It was during his first year of studies that the foundation for Ridebox was laid.

“We were tasked with finding a solution to a world problem using IT. The concept started very differently, but as I looked at trends in transport and e-hailing, the idea evolved into what Ridebox is today,” he explained.

Solving everyday transport challenges

Ridebox Technologies aims to bridge the gap between digital accessibility and transport infrastructure through smart kiosks positioned in strategic locations such as malls, airports, universities and transport hubs.

According to Zikalala, many commuters depend on three things to access e-hailing services: a smartphone, battery power and internet connectivity.

“If you don’t have one of those, you can easily find yourself stranded. Ridebox is designed to help people access transport even when those barriers exist,” he said.

The kiosks will use artificial intelligence to simplify the e-hailing process and assist users in multiple languages.

The long-term vision also includes integrating cashless taxi payments and other transport services.

The idea was partly inspired by personal experiences.

“My grandmother often travels alone and would need to call family members for transport. I also experienced situations where my phone battery died, and I was left stranded. I realised many people face similar challenges every day.”

Safety at the centre

A major focus of the Ridebox concept is improving safety for both passengers and drivers.

Zikalala said the company plans to incorporate facial verification technology to help reduce fraud and improve accountability during trips.

“A person can use a fake name, but it is much harder to use a fake face. We want to create safer transport experiences for both passengers and drivers.”

The startup also hopes to position kiosks in locations identified as safer pick-up points for commuters.

Powered by innovation

One of the features that sets Ridebox apart from traditional information kiosks is its use of solar energy.
“Our kiosks are not reliant on the electrical grid. They run on solar power and battery storage,” said Zikalala.

The software, which he has personally helped develop, also includes AI-powered language translation and currency conversion features designed to make transport services accessible to a broader range of users.

Building a business from home

Although he studied and worked in Cape Town, Zikalala chose to return to Alberton to build the company.

“Home is where the heart is. We produce a lot of great talent in our communities, but many people leave and never come back. I wanted to return to where everything started and hopefully inspire someone else.”

The startup is focused on securing industry partnerships, advertising commitments and regulatory support ahead of its pilot launch.

Zikalala recently held discussions with major e-hailing companies and said the concept has received positive feedback from industry stakeholders.

“Everywhere we pitch it, people love the idea. The challenge is that this type of technology hasn’t been done before in South Africa, so there are no clear guidelines for it.”

Looking ahead

While the first pilot rollout is still being finalised, Zikalala believes the technology has the potential to expand far beyond Alberton and even South Africa.

He revealed that several international companies have already expressed interest in licensing the concept in future.

For now, however, his focus remains firmly on home.

“What is important to me is launching here first and showing that great innovation can come from our communities.”

His message to aspiring innovators is simple: solve the problems you see around you.

“Look within yourself and your everyday experiences. Use the skills you have to solve real problems. Innovation can come from anyone.”

Looking back on his journey, Zikalala hopes people take one message from his story.

“I’m just another guy. We shouldn’t expect innovative ideas to come from certain places. They can come from anyone. Sometimes all people need is someone willing to listen.”