A Bolt driver’s journey of resilience and survival in a male-dominated industry 

Pretty Dlamini (41) turned to driving in 2022 after struggling to find employment. With a driver’s license in hand, she took the wheel as a Bolt driver.

Speaking with Orange Farm News, Dlamini shared the highs and lows of the business… My day starts at 5:30am and wraps up at 9pm. This job has its good and bad sides. Sometimes, being a woman brings positive attention and good treatment, but other times, it leads to mistreatment. There have been occasions where clients cancel trips just because I’m a woman, saying they don’t want to be driven by a female. While most men are supportive and kind, some can be difficult. Unfortunately, it’s often women who give me the hardest time, cancelling trips or reporting me for setting boundaries when their behaviour is inappropriate. These reports hurt my ratings and with ratings come rewards and bonuses. I once got a big tip from some ladies I picked up from a spa. One of them and I had an emotional conversation and at the end of the trip, she paid me R260 instead of the R60 fare, I was so happy.

Pretty also highlighted the dangers Bolt drivers face daily... I was nearly hijacked once while waiting to pick up a client. I arrived at the location and saw some guys standing in a corner. In the blink of an eye, they were pointing guns at me. Fortunately, some men in a nearby house saw what was happening and came to my rescue, causing the suspects to flee. I cried so much after that.

In another chilling encounter, she picked up a man in his 50s who later revealed that he and his friends had planned to rob her, but his conscience stopped him…It’s not safe in this business and all of this happened during the day. Now, I prefer working at night. Night passengers, especially the drunk ones on weekends, are usually the best.

Despite the challenges, she remains grateful for the job… It’s not a job that will make you rich, but it puts food on the table. You meet different people, share experiences and sometimes even become a psychologist for your clients. Many of us are facing life’s challenges and some just need someone to listen. I encourage women to consider driving for Bolt, especially in the face of high unemployment, we need to find ways to earn a living.

Special Mention: Dlamini is also a pastor with His Ways Family Church in Jabulani, Soweto. She embraces all opportunities to spread positivity through her faith.