Getting from A to B isn’t always simple for young people in South Africa. Between unreliable routes, unfamiliar drivers, and the ever-present risk of harassment or gender-based violence, a quick trip can carry a lot of hidden worries, especially for students and young women.
That’s why a new partnership between inDrive South Africa and the TEARS Foundation feels so timely. The two organisations recently hosted a youth mobility training session designed to help young commuters travel with more confidence, awareness, and practical tools for staying safe.
“Our goal is to make every journey safer for all commuters, especially young people and students, who are statistically more vulnerable to risks in transit,” says Ashif Black, inDrive’s Country Representative.
The program doesn’t shy away from the real-world challenges young riders face, from unsafe walking routes to online threats that can spill over into everyday life. Participants learn how to spot red flags, choose safer transport options, and use digital tools to protect themselves while on the move.
Behind the scenes, inDrive runs a suite of safety measures that most riders never see: AI content moderation, profile verification, liveness checks, and fast complaint response systems. All of these quietly work to block harmful behaviour before it reaches passengers.
Why This Work Matters
According to the TEARS Foundation, more than 75,000 requests for help related to abuse and gender-based violence came through its channels in 2024 alone. That number speaks volumes about how urgent transport safety is for young people.
The training also spotlights inDrive’s in-app features: an SOS button, Share Trip tracking, Trusted Contacts, in-app calls that keep your personal number private, and 24/7 support for when something doesn’t feel right.
“When youth are informed and vigilant, they become powerful agents of change in their communities,” says TEARS founder Mara Glennie. “We want them to move freely and with dignity.”
A key message from both organisations is that safety isn’t just about tech or training, it’s about people looking out for one another. Respect, accountability, and vigilance make up a shared responsibility between passengers and drivers, creating a healthier transport ecosystem for everyone.
As Black sums up:
“We want young people using inDrive to feel safe, supported, and in control. They face real risks on our roads, and it’s critical they know how to protect themselves and each other.”
This collaboration feels like a solid step toward safer commutes, not just for those hopping in a ride-share, but for anyone navigating South Africa’s transport networks every day. And for students starting a new school term or hustling between classes and part-time jobs, knowing there’s a growing focus on their safety is a journey worth celebrating.
