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 9 to 12 months, the programme could
support up to 110,000 driver opportunities, based on two drivers per 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 providesthe connectivity and
fintech capabilities that support the ecosystem. Fidelity Services Group provides vehicle tracking, dash camera
solutions while the Thiba Ingozi Safety App and physical panic buttons helping to promote safer, more secure
and connected operations.
SmartOps Fleet management 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.
“The programme demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations across different sectors combine
their capabilities around a shared challenge. 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,”says Sitho Mdlalose, Chief Executive
Officer at Vodacom South Africa.
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 per 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
C2 General
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.
SmartOpstakes 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,” says
Mahene Benzane, CEO of SmartOps.
“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 Peter Malebye, Managing Executive for Fintech at Vodacom South
Africa.
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. 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,” said Benjamin Motitswe, Chief Director for
Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE), Gauteng Department of Roads & Transport.
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.
Interested investors can download the SmartsOps Fleet App by visiting https://smartopsfleet.com/investor-
program/ to begin the application process.
