Uber’s new policy in South Africa requires new cars on the platform to be less than three years old, causing controversy among drivers and the South African Ride Hailing Association (SARIDEHA). The rule only applies to new drivers registering on the platform and does not require existing drivers to replace their vehicles. SARIDEHA has rejected the requirement, citing the high costs of luxury cars and low Uber rates. The ehailing industry in South Africa faces numerous challenges, such as safety and security issues, nonunionization, racism, and xenophobia, as well as the lack of progress in implementing the revised National Land Transport Act.
A routine Uber ride turned tragic for Jessika Nilsson when an unlicensed driver operating an outdated vehicle crashed. Despite having insurance, Nilsson faced unexpected medical expenses and filed a lawsuit against Uber for their negligence. The lawsuit highlights the need for improved safety protocols in multinational corporations and raises questions about Uber’s operational standards and driver screening processes.
Natasha Joubert, the current Miss South Africa, has made a groundbreaking decision not to compete in international beauty pageants. Instead, she will focus on her local title, breaking away from the traditional path followed by previous winners. Joubert’s decision has raised questions about her future prospects, but it also highlights the importance of making unique choices aligned with personal values. Her impact comes from courageously blazing her own trail in an industry often seen as predictable.
Bryoni Govender, a South African lawyer and beauty pageant contestant, is set to compete in the Miss Universe contest in November 2021, and is expected to be a frontrunner. Despite finishing as the first runnerup in the Miss SA contest, Govender’s captivating allure has attracted massive attention from pageant enthusiasts, and her journey to the international stage has been closely followed on social media. South Africa’s pageant representation hit a snag when the Miss South Africa Organisation was unable to renew its license with Miss World, and Joubert was barred from participating in both Miss Universe and Miss World.
Bryoni Govender, a South African attorney and pageant queen, is a rising star in the pageantry world. She secured the position of Miss SA runnerup and will represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant finale in November. Govender has been continuously showcasing her talent at the Miss Universe prelims, and many predict a Top 3 spot for her. She is a shining symbol of diversity, representing not just her nation, but the world, and she boldly advocates for minorities and empowers women and young girls who resonate with her.
Uber has responded to ehailing drivers’ concerns during an ongoing strike by introducing Trip Radar to reduce wait times, implementing safety measures such as an inapp emergency button and audio recording, and increasing fares. The company is also collaborating with the Gauteng Government to create over 2,000 earning opportunities and R500 million in gross value added to the Gauteng economy within the next three years. Uber is committed to ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to find solutions that benefit all parties involved.
In honor of International Literacy Month, a group of philanthropic organizations teamed up to promote reading among children in Cape Town. GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World, a nonprofit organization called Living Through Learning, and Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert spearheaded the initiative.