Digital Mobility Training Initiated by inDrive and goGOGOgo for Senior Women in South Africa
In the heart of South Africa, a groundbreaking initiative is taking shape, aiming to empower older women, often referred to as "gogos," in Alexandra and surrounding communities. This project, a collaboration between ride-hailing platform inDrive and goGOGOgo, seeks to bridge the digital and mobility divide that has long plagued the country.
The project, launched in July 2025 at Safe-Hub Alexandra, offers a unique approach, merging digital and transport literacy to address the specific needs of the local community. For many gogos, the initiative marks a significant step towards improved connectivity and independence in urban settings.
During the inaugural event, each gogo was provided with a starter kit, containing branded blankets, handmade bags, comfort items, and, for some, a smartphone. To ensure a smooth transition into the digital world, "Gogo Champions" were on hand to guide the gogos through downloading the inDrive app, practicing demo rides, and understanding safety protocols during travel.
The gogos were also taught essential skills such as navigating smartphones and understanding the basics of the inDrive app. These skills, once mastered, would open up a world of possibilities, enabling the gogos to manage their daily lives more effectively and reducing their reliance on others for essential errands.
Public transport in South Africa can often be unsafe, inaccessible, or unreliable for older individuals, leaving many gogos isolated and dependent on others. By providing a flexible and user-friendly option for those new to ride-hailing or who prefer direct interaction, inDrive's peer-to-peer model offers a glimmer of hope for these women.
Each gogo received personalized support from a trained inDrive driver during the event, ensuring a comfortable and confidence-building introduction to the service. The hands-on learning experiences offered during the event were designed to encourage continued engagement with technology and transport services.
Approximately four million children in South Africa are raised by their grandmothers, often relying solely on a single state grant. With only 44.3% of South Africans aged 60 and above having internet access, the digital divide is particularly pronounced among older women.
The project's initial focus on empowering older women in Alexandra and the surrounding Melmoth area is just the beginning. InDrive and goGOGOgo plan to host more empowerment days later this year, using feedback from participant interviews to refine and expand the program. The emphasis on responsible growth in South Africa ensures that the services genuinely reflect and meet the specific needs and realities of local communities.
This initiative represents a promising model combining digital empowerment with transport access for older women in South Africa's urban townships. By addressing the digital and mobility divide, the project aims to improve the lives of these women, fostering independence and safety in their daily lives.
The unique initiative at Safe-Hub Alexandra, a joint effort by inDrive and goGOGOgo, combines technology and education-and-self-development to bridge the digital and mobility divide, empowering older women, or "gogos," in South Africa. By offering digital literacy training, downloading the inDrive app, and introducing peer-to-peer ride-hailing, the project aims to enhance their lifestyle and promote independence in urban settings.