Soweto youth creates new e-hailing app
At first glance, Samuel Mazibuko, may be unlikely candidate to create the latest e-hailing services named ITaxi Ubuntu app.
After all, most of the popular apps are made by Silicon Valley-funded startups and tech geniuses.
The Soweto-born entrepreneur has defied odds and has pioneered a new age of township bred innovations.
The mobile application offers not only e-hailing services but customises prices according to the user’s needs.
What started as just a conversation between Mazibuko (31) and his friends, has expanded into a solution to the the problem of finding reliable and affordable public transport around Gauteng.
Established in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, ITaxi Ubuntu creator explains how well-established e-hailing services like Bolt and Uber, differ from his app.
“My app offers services including student rides, civil rides, corporate riders and funeral rides,” he said.
Mazibuko added that he did not just wanted to provide people with access to reliable public transport, but to make it affordable as well.
Mazibuko’s appetite for learning quickly outpaced what Wits lectures could offer in a learnership.
The app will create more job opportunities and empower Kasi young entrepreneurs through technology. “My dream is to create a world in which everyone has an equal opportunity to overcome poverty.”
While plenty of work remains to be done, Mazibuko is optimistic about the app’s potential to make a difference in the townships.
The app currently operates in Gauteng: active in Soweto, Ekurhuleni and the West Rand with more than 100 Taxis registered.
With time Mazibuko hopes to expand nationally.
Users can access ITaxi Ubuntu app by downloading the app from the Android or , as well as through Facebook and Whatsapp messenger.
On Whatsapp (0781-410-6341), users chat with the admin who will ask them questions and refer them to the nearest driver.
“It gives us more exposure if somebody doesn’t have an app or struggling to download it,” explained Mazibuko.
For social networking websites people should visit: Facebook: iTaxi Ubuntu App, Twitter: @iTaxiUbuntuApp, Instagram: itaxi_ubuntu_app and LinkedIn: iTaxi Ubuntu App
