• The first leg of the Last Mile Township programme between Gauteng and Uber Eats has seen the graduation of the first cohort.
• 350 graduates were celebrated today in Thembisa, Johannesburg.
• The graduates received training from Uber Eats, as well as scooters and funding as part of the programme.

Today saw a culmination in part of the partnership struck between Gauteng and ecommerce platform Uber Eats in August 2023, as 350 people graduated from the so-called Last Mile Township programme.

The graduates received upskilling in entrepreneurship from Uber Easts, as well as motorbikes and funding as part of the partnership, which is valued at around R200 million in investments from the private firm.

Around 10 000 small business owners based in townships around the province were initially envisioned to take part in the programme. The partnership was expected to boost the digital economies of townships, and expand the usage of ecommerce for its small businesses.

On Thursday, the Provincial Government of Gauteng celebrated the graduation of the first 350 people to complete the programme at Thembisa in Johannesburg.

Gauteng Premier and photo-opportunity enjoyer Panyaza Lesufi was on hand for the graduation, as well as Gauteng’s MEC for economic development Tasneem Motara. Lesufi told the graduates not to disappoint, as they were taken from the “unemployed list” and given an opportunity.

“It is a dream come true, remember this industry was for men, but our leaders give us opportunities to take part in it,” said graduate Livhuwani Baloyi at the event.

“Uber Eats is perfectly positioned to deliver on this goal [of digitalising the township economy], harnessing our technology to uplift township economies and transform the lives of township residents. Our commitment will also make township markets more viable for local technology platforms, with more delivery people and merchants online,” said Nakampe Molewa, General Manager for Uber Eats Sub Saharan Africa, last year as per IOL.

Apart from being celebrated at the ceremony, the graduates also received scooters, branded Uber Eats jackets and helmets.

This is one of many upskilling and employment opportunity programmes currently ongoing in Gauteng.

[Image – Panyaza Lesufi on X]