Gauteng entrepreneurs win big with Bolt programme
Ten South African entrepreneurs received over R400 000 from Bolt after completing an accelerator programme designed to help drivers and couriers grow innovative business ideas.
There was a buzz of pride and possibility at Bolt’s accelerator programme pitch event last week, and for good reason. Ten drivers and couriers walked away with funding to help turn their business ideas into something real.
The programme, which kicked off in December 2024, is a partnership between Bolt and business academy Pranary. It attracted nearly 600 applications from across South Africa, with most coming from Gauteng. Only 7% of those who applied were women, but organisers said that number, though small, signals progress in a male-dominated space.
From that pool, 120 drivers and couriers were selected for Bolt Academy, where they received training in business basics, things like market research, building a customer base, and financial planning. The final 20 got to pitch their refined business ideas to a panel of judges, and ten received €2 000 (over R40 000) in seed funding.
One of the most inspiring pitches came from Kamogelo Modise, who created Lupa Township Delivery, a bicycle delivery service designed to be cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and driven by people from the community. Modise walked away with the Most Innovative Idea Award.
Vutivi Shivambu also impressed judges with his idea, Liftsearch, a ride-sharing platform that links verified drivers and passengers for long-distance trips to and from rural villages. He received the Most Scalable Idea Award.
Also read: Lease rather than buy your delivery vehicle
Shannon Adams picked up the Best Pitch Award for EXPLORE.SA.APP, a tourism app that connects travellers with local drivers who act as informal tour guides, a great blend of tech and personal experience.
“These participants didn’t just sit through lectures,” said Pranary CEO Sandras Phiri. “They built something real. We brought in people who’ve done it before, founders and investors to guide them.
“What stood out to me was how grounded and personal many of the ideas were. They weren’t just dreaming up the next big thing in tech; they were solving problems they’ve seen first-hand. Gaps in delivery services, unsafe travel options, missed tourism opportunities, these are issues they live with.”
The Gauteng Department of Economic Development, a key partner in the initiative, sees it as a step towards strengthening township economies. “This kind of support creates job opportunities and invites investment into areas that need it most,” said Mpho Nawa, acting head of the department.
The event wasn’t just about Bolt, or the business world. It was about people. About giving everyday, often overlooked South Africans the tools and confidence to build something that matters.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We’d love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Related article: Fake e-hailing drivers cause trouble
