A digital feud between Nigerians and South Africans has escalated, resulting in extreme surge pricing and unavailable rides on Bolt and Uber platforms in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
The rivalry, sparked by a beauty pageant controversy involving Chidimma Adetshina’s withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant due to xenophobic backlash, has led to citizens from both countries ordering and canceling rides, leaving drivers stranded and services disrupted. The feud has raised concerns about the safety measures ride-hailing platforms have in place to prevent fraudulent bookings.
Bolt’s Nigerian Country Manager, Yahaya Mohammed, acknowledged the issue, saying, “Bolt is aware of the incident involving fake ride requests between individuals in Nigeria and South Africa. We have successfully taken measures to resolve the issue of fake ride requests affecting our driver-partners, particularly those operating in Nigeria and South Africa.”
On social media, reactions have been mixed. Daniel Regha tweeted, “Hope you South Africans & Nigerians realize that these bolt drivers are people who are trying to make ends meet; Y’all are not only wasting their time plus money but also inconveniencing people who really need their services. This is not a game, it’s sickening.”
@Irunnia warned, “This game South Africans are playing with Uber will never stop until they fix that app. Nigerians are the last people you want to play this kind of game with. If you go low, they will always go lower and they will never stop!”
READ ALSO:S’Africa accuses mother of Miss SA contestant Chidinma Adetshina of fraud, identity theft
@Divineofspring advised Bolt and Uber drivers, “When you get a booking, call the person who booked the ride and pay attention to their accent. Ask them some questions using local terms and slang. If possible, follow up with a direct call.”
South Africans have also reacted, with @elcoweygetloco warning, “Hope they know Nigerians are jobless they shouldn’t allow Nigerians play this game with them cuz Nigerians will really take it farrr”
Moris Monye noted, “So let me put it out there. South Africans pay to cancel bolt rides. For Nigerians, it’s free to cancel. Only one side will lose if people go head to head.”
Bayo Otedola tweeted, “Nigerians don’t need to beg South Africans to stop this Bolt challenge they’ve started. With the population we have and our access to the internet, it will not be funny if Nigerians return this energy.”
@Oladapomikky1 claimed, “From my stats, I have successfully booked 15 Uber / Bolt drivers this morning within Johannesburg. South Africans . Aura for Aura . Fellow Nigerians how many Unna don book this morning?”
By Olamide Ayoade
The post Bolt, Uber drivers hit as Chidimma’s withdrawal sparks digital ‘war’ between Nigerians, South Africans appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Naomisophyblog.
