Telecommunications group Vodacom South Africa and SmartOps Fleet have brought together partners from the technology, financial services, automotive and e-hailing sectors, in a new integrated programme designed to broaden participation in South Africa’s growing e-hailing economy.

With an ambition to introduce up to 55 000 vehicles over the next nine to 12 months, the programme could support up to 110 000 driver opportunities, based on two drivers a vehicle.

The initiative also targets a fleet mix of 66% electric vehicles (EVs), supporting growth in South Africa’s e-hailing sector.

Launching during Transport Month, the programme brings vehicle ownership, finance, technology and professional fleet management together, creating a pathway for qualifying individuals to participate in the e-hailing economy through vehicle ownership.

As the programme’s enabling technology and connectivity partner, Vodacom provides the connectivity and fintech capabilities that support the ecosystem, while Fidelity Services Group provides vehicle tracking, dash camera solutions and the Thiba Ingozi Safety App and physical panic buttons helping to promote safer, more secure and connected operations.

SmartOps Fleet manages vehicles, drivers, maintenance, insurance, tracking and day-to-day e-hailing operations.

The wider ecosystem includes Nedbank MFC, Motus, Tiger Wheel & Tyre, Tyres & More, vehicle manufacturers Renault and Dongfeng and Thiba Ingozi, creating a support network that enables programme-supported vehicles to operate on e-hailing platforms such as Uber and Bolt.

“South Africa’s mobility economy presents an opportunity to connect more people to economic participation through technology-enabled partnerships. By bringing together capabilities across technology and financial services, we are helping to create an ecosystem that supports broader participation for both vehicle owners and drivers,” said Vodacom South Africa CEO Sitho Mdlalose.

For individuals looking to participate in the e-hailing economy through vehicle ownership, the operational requirements can be significant, from sourcing and managing drivers to maintaining vehicles, arranging insurance and overseeing daily operations.

The programme is designed to reduce this operational complexity.

Qualifying individual investors, whether employed or self-employed and earning a minimum gross income of R15 300 a month, as well as institutional investors, can finance an approved vehicle through Nedbank MFC and lease the vehicle to SmartOps Fleet for managed e-hailing operations.

Investor onboarding and finance applications are completed on the SmartOps Fleet platform.

Qualifying investors will be required to pay the first instalment, and all subsequent instalments will be paid by SmartOps Fleet.

Investors enter into a lease agreement with SmartOps Fleet that mirrors the approved financing term.

SmartOps takes responsibility for the operational management of the vehicle, including driver management, insurance, vehicle instalments, maintenance, tracking and commission to investors. Commission earned by investors is calculated based on the vehicle instalment.

The investor will earn up to 40% commission every month, retain ownership of the vehicle and remain responsible for the underlying vehicle-finance agreement and the first instalment of the vehicle.

In line with programme requirements, vehicles may be traded in before the end of the original finance term based on mileage, vehicle condition, operational requirements and value preservation.

“What makes this model different is the ecosystem behind it. By bringing together expertise across finance, technology, fleet management, automotive and e-hailing services, we can support the management of a vehicle throughout its e-hailing journey while creating opportunities for both vehicle owners and drivers,” explained SmartOps CEO Mahene Benzane.

“Technology remains central to the programme, helping support vehicle visibility, driver connectivity and operational management. The programme demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can help broaden participation in the future mobility economy while supporting sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities for young people,” added Vodacom South Africa fintech managing executive Peter Malebye.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on electric mobility, with EVs targeted to account for 66% of the planned fleet and support increased adoption within South Africa’s e-hailing sector.

“As South Africa, particularly Gauteng, continues to grow, so too must our transport system. We are embracing innovation, technology and integrated mobility solutions to ensure our transport network keeps pace with the needs of a modern province,” said Gauteng Roads and Transport Department's Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity chief director Benjamin Motitswe.

“Transport Month is an opportunity to showcase how accessible and sustainable mobility can help improve everyday life for our residents. We commend Vodacom and SmartOps for their leadership as connectivity partners in bringing together stakeholders from the technology, financial services, automotive and e-hailing sectors through this integrated programme.”

Partnerships such as these demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing some of our country's most pressing challenges, particularly youth unemployment and economic inclusion.

“This initiative has the potential to create meaningful job opportunities for young South Africans, expand participation in the growing e-hailing economy and contribute to a more inclusive and connected transport ecosystem.”

By connecting technology, finance, automotive expertise, e-hailing platforms and professional fleet management within a single ecosystem, the partners aim to support vehicle ownership opportunities, driver livelihoods and the continued development of safer, smarter and increasingly electric mobility solutions in South Africa.