A new South African e-hailing service, Wanatu, has stirred conversation with its unique policy of employing only Afrikaans-speaking drivers, alongside extensive safety measures aimed at protecting its passengers.
Launched in Pretoria and Centurion in October 2024, Wanatu is quickly setting itself apart from traditional e-hailing platforms like Uber and Bolt. With its name derived from the Afrikaans phrase “Waarnatoe,” meaning “Where to,” the service already garnered over 30,000 registrations by January 21, 2025, reflecting its rapid acceptance among users.
Unlike its competitors, Wanatu boasts stricter hiring policies, requiring drivers not just to speak Afrikaans but also to undergo rigorous vetting. From over 1,100 applicants, the company hired just 85 drivers, who were carefully checked for criminal records and have completed training courses covering safety protocols and driving education. Wanatu CEO Judith van der Walt indicated these standards are particularly important as approximately 35% of its passengers are schoolchildren and many of its elderly clients can no longer drive.
For the safety-conscious, Wanatu operates on the principle of employing its drivers, creating job security and accountability. The fleet consists of 50 branded Toyota Corolla Cross hybrids, all equipped with advanced safety features including dash cams, inward-facing cameras, GPS tracking, and panic buttons linked to armed response services. This level of security is pivotal for ensuring passenger safety and has received positive feedback from early users.
“Transporting vulnerable customers is enormous responsibility,” van der Walt explained, highlighting the company's commitment to security during rides. The service employs a control room to monitor rides, aiming for high safety and quality throughout the customer experience.
Wanatu’s business model also involves managing the entire driver schedule, assigning shifts rather than allowing drivers to choose when they are online. This aims to create reliability and familiarity, permitting drivers to build loyal relationships with regular passengers.
Despite the higher operational costs tied to security and employee wages, Wanatu assures its pricing remains competitive with established e-hailing services. Riders can preview trip costs before booking, making it accessible for families and individuals alike.
Customer feedback has been encouraging, with Wanatu achieving ratings of 3.6 out of 5 on the Apple App Store and 3.8 on Google Play by January 26, 2025. Though some users noted technical issues and missing features within the app, the overall reception points to satisfaction with the service’s safety measures and quality.
While the platform currently only services Pretoria and Centurion, plans for expansion are anticipated, enabling more users across South Africa to experience the distinguishing features of Wanatu.
All users, regardless of language, can utilize the service, and the app offers English registration options. To use Wanatu's services, new users must provide identification and photos, which adds another layer of security for riders.
“We are committed to providing not just rides, but safe travel solutions for those who need it most,” said van der Walt, reinforcing Wanatu's mission to offer superior service through its unique approach.
The launch of Wanatu opens new discussions about inclusivity and safety within the growing e-hailing industry, and emphasizes the need for services to cater to the specific needs of diverse communities. Through its innovative model, Wanatu aims to redefine transport safety and service quality for its clientele.