As a female entrepreneur, I’ve often used e-hailing services to navigate my daily commute. While these services have revolutionized how we travel, there has always been an underlying concern, safety. As a woman, finding safe and reliable transport options, especially at night, has often felt like a gamble. That’s why when I first heard about Kgosigadi Rides, I was beyond excited. This isn’t just a ride-hailing service; it’s a bold movement set to reshape the landscape of transportation in South Africa.
The Vision Behind Kgosigadi Rides
Kgosigadi Rides, meaning “Queen” in Setswana, is South Africa’s first all-female ride-hailing service. This innovative startup was launched with the mission to create a platform that prioritizes the safety, trust, and empowerment of women and children, two groups often vulnerable to the risks of unsafe commuting. Co-founded by Ms. Tilly Legodi and Mr. Norman Mabasa, the service aims to provide a safe, secure, and empowering transportation experience.
In a country where safe commuting options for women remain limited, Kgosigadi Rides has stepped in as a pioneering solution to the problem. By connecting verified female drivers with female passengers and their children, the platform offers a much-needed alternative to traditional e-hailing services, where safety concerns have often been a top priority for female commuters.
A Social Movement for Safety and Sisterhood
Kgosigadi Rides is more than just an e-hailing service; it’s a social movement built on the principles of sisterhood, security, and economic independence. This platform empowers women to become entrepreneurs themselves, offering them not just a ride-hailing job but an opportunity to build their own businesses through the rent-to-own vehicle program. The service includes numerous benefits for drivers, such as funeral cover, medical plans, and vehicle financing support—factors that help provide security and economic stability for women.
“We’re building a future where women feel safe on the road whether they’re behind the wheel or in the backseat,” says Ms. Tilly Legodi, co-founder of Kgosigadi Rides. “This isn’t just an app. It’s a sisterhood.”
Safety at the Core
One of the standout features of Kgosigadi Rides is its commitment to safety. The platform uses a robust verification system to ensure that both drivers and passengers are safe and trustworthy. South African identity documents (SA ID), facial recognition, and thorough background checks are mandatory for all drivers and passengers. This level of transparency not only boosts safety but also builds trust among users.
Additionally, the platform includes a Community Chat feature that enables real-time support and networking. This is an essential space for women to communicate, share experiences, and support one another, creating a real sense of community.
Key Features of Kgosigadi Rides:
SA ID, Facial Recognition & Background Checks for all drivers and passengers.
Free R100,000 Funeral Cover & Medical Plans starting from R450 per month for drivers.
Rent-to-Own Vehicle Program that helps women become self-employed and secure their financial independence.
Six Ride Categories tailored to diverse female needs, from school runs to luxury trips.
Community Chat for real-time support and networking among users.
Breaking Barriers and Creating Opportunities
The impact of Kgosigadi Rides goes beyond simply offering a safe ride. It represents a vital opportunity for women to achieve economic independence in an industry often dominated by men. By offering access to affordable medical insurance, funeral cover, and a rent-to-own program, the service breaks down barriers that have traditionally kept women from accessing financial freedom and career opportunities.
With the rise in gender-based violence and the constant threat to commuter safety in South Africa, Kgosigadi Rides offers a much-needed solution, a service designed with the safety, empowerment, and well-being of women in mind.
A New Era for Women in Transportation
As a female entrepreneur, this initiative excites me deeply. In a world where women face unique challenges in almost every aspect of life, Kgosigadi Rides is setting a new standard. It’s more than just an app, it’s a sisterhood that celebrates women’s strength, resilience, and independence. Kgosigadi Rides is paving the way for a future where women can feel safe, secure, and empowered, whether they’re behind the wheel or riding in the backseat.
This is a crucial step forward in the movement towards safer, more inclusive transportation, and I believe it’s only the beginning of what’s to come for women in South Africa. The future of transportation is here and it’s female-led.
