Uber, the app that connects riders with drivers, created over 2,000 jobs in South Africa since launching in late 2013. The jobs created are both direct and indirect with the company empowering hundreds of entrepreneurs to become small business owners in South Africa, contributingo significantly to the 50,000+ global entrepreneurs who are empowered monthly on the Uber platform. Existing transport operators and drivers are also partnering with Uber as a means of growing their business and bringing in the consumer, partner and transparency-related benefits. “Uber does not own any vehicles nor do we employ any drivers, we are a technology company that connects riders with drivers in their area. What this means is that all cars are privately owned and the drivers work for themselves. Some of our partner-drivers own their own cars, others buy a couple of cars and then employ drivers. Rider choice and driver opportunity is at the core of what Uber does. We are proud to be empowering hundreds of entrepreneurs every month in South Africa,” says Alon Lits, General Manager, Uber Johannesburg and Durban. Traditionally the metered taxi industry is one where drivers are salaried employees working specified shifts, without much freedom. For partner-drivers, the technology behind Uber changes the way people live and work for the better, allowing for more flexibility in their workday. Uber partner-drivers also have the opportunity to benefit from and leverage the various partnerships that Uber has developed. Each partner-driver is taken through an in-depth three step training process, where they learn how the Uber app and GPS navigation system works, various scenarios they might encounter while on the road, and the importance of putting the customer first and how to provide them with the best service possible. Uber provides partner-drivers with a mobile device pre-loaded with the Uber driver app, GPS navigation and data. Uber also offers them one-on-one training on how to use the device if they have any queries. Anthony le Roux, General Manager, Uber Cape Town, says that Uber is focused on delivering as much value from the platform to partner-drivers as possible, and it will continue to support and empower their partner-drivers through greater economic opportunities.