Uber has become an integral part of South Africa's transportation landscape, offering convenient and accessible mobility solutions to millions.
In 2023, Uber's operations contributed an estimated R17 billion to the South African economy, with drivers and delivery couriers earning a combined R2.3 billion.
However, recent incidents have raised pressing concerns about passenger safety, particularly for women.
Well-known radio personality Anele Mdoda recounted a harrowing ordeal involving an alleged Uber driver in Cape Town.
Mdoda reported that after selecting the "don't talk to me" option on the app, the driver became agitated and threatened her with sexual violence, stating, "In my country, we would rape you to teach you a lesson."
My @uber driver tonight was upset that I had picked the don’t talk to me option. He then said
— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) February 23, 2025
“ in my country we would rape you to teach you a lesson” and I had to fake being on instagram live to get home safe
Then when he got to my hotel he started shouting at me and I… pic.twitter.com/yBlOF5z0cr
Fearing for her safety, Mdoda pretended to be on Instagram Live and began recording the encounter.
She elaborated: “So after he threatened me with rape to keep in line, I started recording so that if anything happens to me, it’s on record. I faked being on Instagram Live. This was in Cape Town.”
So after he threatened me with rape to keep in line I started recording so that if anything happens to me it’s on record. I faked being on instagram live.
— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) February 23, 2025
This was in Cape Town. @Uber_Support @Uber_RSA
Watch till the end pic.twitter.com/78XhUQx1uO
Uber asserts that safety is a top priority, implementing features such as in-app emergency assistance, trip sharing, and rigorous driver vetting processes.
Despite these measures, public confidence appears to be waning. A significant number of users have expressed dissatisfaction, citing concerns over driver behaviour, vehicle conditions and the company's overall response to safety incidents.
A survey conducted by Women For Change in May 2024 highlighted significant safety concerns among e-hailing service users in South Africa:
- 73% of respondents reported feeling unsafe while using e-hailing services.
- 22% experienced harassment or verbal abuse during a trip at least once.
- 9% reported experiencing some form of abuse, including sexual abuse, during a trip.
- 48% knew someone who had been harassed or assaulted by an e-hailing driver.
Uber South Africa responded to Mdoda on X stating: “We are sorry to hear about this. Kindly provide us with a phone number/email address linked to your account and the trip date and time via DM to assist further. Appreciate your understanding.”
The media personality responded on X: “Thank you for all the comments on this uber saga including the ones that say I am the one in the wrong. I am going to press charges today.
“Twitter won’t make sure that man does not threaten another woman again. The law will. Have a great day further, because I will.”
Thank you for all the comments on this uber saga including the ones that say I am the one in the wrong. I am going to press charges today. Twitter won’t make sure that man does not threaten another woman again. The law will. Have a great day further, because I will.
— Anele Mdoda (@Anele) February 24, 2025