Uber partners with social justice organisation to drive social change in South Africa

Following a call to relevant authorities to step in and calm the recent Uber/taxi violence storm, as well as an intensified focus on social justice projects, Uber announced its partnership with the Soul City Institute.

"It's wonderful that Uber is inviting and collaborating with law enforcement to ensure not only your personal safety but also the safety of those on the road with you."- SAPS pic.twitter.com/44i5sdjOYb

— Uber South Africa (@Uber_RSA) November 14, 2017

The partnership between Uber and the institute, a social justice organisation for young women in South Africa, will see the prevention of sexual assault and gender-based violence against women and girls in the community, especially female driver-partners and customers.

According to Stats SA, 21 per cent of women over the age of 18 have experienced violence with six per cent of them reporting the violence as sexual.

The transport giant and Soul City, along with experts and advocates in social justice spaces, will host a series of tours across the country.

“As engaged members of the communities we serve, working with Soul City Institute to raise awareness and prevent sexual harassment in South Africa is a priority for us.

“We want to be part of the solution and I am proud that our team, together with Soul City, will continue to develop, collaborate and launch initiatives and programmes to help drive social change in South Africa,” said Uber general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Alon Lits.

Chief executive officer of the institute, Lebo Ramafoko said the collaboration is not only a foundation for safer transport for all but a model for other businesses to drive social change.

“We are hoping our work will reach the 12 000 active driver-partners using the Uber app in South Africa as well as the 969 000 active riders who rely on Uber in South Africa,” Ramafoko said.

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