Innovative Tuk-Tuk roams Ballito streets

An eye-catching black tuk-tuk slowly navigating the streets of Ballito is impossible to miss.

Simbithi resident Jannie Sounes has souped up his ride to accommodate a prominent digital advertising screen.

His unique mobile advertising platform is not just turning heads but offers small businesses an opportunity to get eyes on their brands.

The ‘Jack of all trades’ is an entrepreneur at heart and has spent his life trying new things.

From careers as a policeman, farmer and shop manager, Sounes has done it all.

Calling Ballito home for the past three years, Sounes was inspired by the large advertising display screens alongside the main routes. But the high costs involved motivated this idea for small businesses.

Semi-retired Sounes spent nine months revamping his tuk-tuk, installing an “outdoor” screen measuring 1.4 by 1.2 metres.

Solar panels and inverters were added, plus a wi-fi system connecting to his cell phone – a total investment of more than R100,000.

Because his tuk-tuk is unique, the 59-year-old had to obtain a special permit from the municipality to take his travelling billboard on the road.

Sounes is not allowed to drive on certain routes where the screen could cause distractions and compromise road safety.

By installing a tracker his clients can monitor his movements throughout the day.

He deliberately painted his tuk-tuk black to enhance the screen’s brightness and avoid colour clashes with his vehicle.

“It’s like I am a celebrity on the road. People wave and hoot every time I’m on the move,” he said.

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