Popular ‘Afrikaans Uber’ Wanatu employs drivers who speak language
‘Afrikaans Uber’ Wanatu is hoping to ‘create dignified working opportunities’ for South Afrikaans who speak the language…
The new South African E-hailing app Wanatu – nicknamed “Afrikaans Uber” – launched in Gauteng late last year is fast becoming a hit amongst residents.
According to its founders, the service only employs drivers who speak the language.
WANATU – ‘AFRIKAANS UBER’ GAINS POPULARITY
On social media, Wanatu – nicknamed the “Afrikaans Uber” – revealed that it had already reached 30 000 subscribers after its launch late last year.
The service operates in Centurion and Pretoria. Wanatu – which is derived from the Afrikaans expression Waarnatoe – employs close to 100 drivers who are required to speak the language.
The e-hailing app utilises Toyota Corolla Cross HEV hybrid electric vehicle. They also offer school transport and airport shuttle services.
According to Wanatu, the service aims to offer safer alternatives to other apps like Uber and Bolt. This has been enabled with additions like a:
- Panic button
- Two-way radio system and a control room that monitors every ride
- Tracking device
- Dashboard camera and live cameras that monitor both the interior and exterior cabin.
- The ability to choose your own driver
WHY ONLY AFRIKAANS? ASK SOUTH AFRICANS
While Wanatu has undoubtedly proved a success during its short operation, many South Africans are questioning why it has been hailed as an “Afrikaans Uber service.”
According to Wanatu, the e-hailing service aims to create job opportunities among Afrikaans-speaking South Africans and “restore the dignity” of the community.
Director Van Rooy van den Berg told Jacaranda FM: “A dignified job is one of the foundations for making a person feel valuable. Many people in the Afrikaner cultural community have lost their jobs in recent years. That is why it is a calling to create dignified work opportunities”.
While drivers are required to speak Afrikaans fluently, passengers do not have to.
HAVE YOU USED WANATU SERVICE?
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