Uber has announced the launch of Uber Eats in Soweto. Making them the first international food delivery app to launch in Soweto, promising great tasting local food delivered at the press of a button in 35 mins or less.

Locals from Jabulani, Pimville, Orlando East and Diepkloof can now add something new to their skhaftin from Soweto’s best-loved restaurants including Just Badela, Chaf Pozi and Moja Cafe – simply by using Uber’s global food delivery app – Uber Eats.

Speaking at a launch event held in Soweto, Ailyssa Pretorius, General Manager of Uber Eats in South Africa, said, “Locals from Soweto have been calling out for affordable and reliable food delivery for some time now. We are thrilled to be answering this demand with Uber Eats. Since we launched in South Africa two and half years ago, we have been blown away with the popularity of food delivery, and we can’t wait to give the people of Soweto access to technology that will truly transform the way people eat.

“While we’re a global business with a presence in over 500 cities around the world, our recipe for success is built on catering to the local taste of the cities we operate in. That’s why we’ve doubled down on bringing the best food Soweto has to offer, at a price point everyone can afford,” added Pretorius.





Uber Eats has transformed food delivery in South Africa by making a wide selection of food options conveniently available in one place and delivered fast and fresh. Users have access to thousands of affordable meals, with intuitive menus and personalised recommendations, no minimum basket size, and different payment options. Best of all, orders are delivered reliably and at Uber speed, for just R10.00 a delivery.

Supporting the world’s local economies

From local restaurants to national chains, the Uber Eats app is helping support the growth of restaurants big and small by providing them with the technology to adapt and thrive in the growing food delivery market.

In Soweto Uber Eats is partnering with hundreds of local restaurants, such as Just Badela, a fine dining Kasi style food and wine restaurant which has been in operation since 2016. Dumile Badela owner of Just Badla explains “brands take time to grow, entrepreneurs should never expect success overnight, however through hard work and strategic partnerships with brands like Uber Eats, one can reach their business goal.”

“We have already seen huge demand from local restaurants who want to work with us to make their food available to more people by opening their virtual doors on Uber Eats. We encourage any restaurant owners who want to know more about partnering with Uber Eats to get in touch,” said Pretorius.

Flexible work for local residents

Likewise, 300,000 people around the world are benefiting from access to flexible work and the opportunity to earn some extra cash to supplement their income by delivering food using a bike or scooter or even their own two feet.

In Soweto, Uber Eats is aiming to create hundreds of flexible work opportunities for local residents, including partnering with the Kliptown Youth Program to help unemployed youth (18 years+) earn some money as delivery-partners.

In another first for Soweto, Uber Eats will offer local residents the chance to deliver food using a bicycle, with the peace of mind safety is a top priority thanks to offering Injury Protection. “Being able to do some flexible work without having to have a motorbike or car is an amazing opportunity for me,” says Simphiwe of Soweto. “I can now work in my immediate area when it suits me, all I need is my bicycle.”

Ready to order, Soweto? Find out how:

Eaters can order through the app from 10:00 am until 10:00 PM, seven days a week.

Download the Uber Eats app from either the App or Google Play stores or order at ubereats.com

Log in with your same Uber account credentials, or set up an account

Select a restaurant, and choose what you want to eat from their menu

Eaters can use the code HELLOSOWETO to receive unlimited free delivery for 1 month of application of code to your account.

Press “place order” and watch as your order gets picked up and delivered right to your door

Your receipt will be sent to your email address associated with your Uber account or can be viewed in your app

Note: The code HELLOSOWETO is redeemable for new users only and is valid until the 31 December 2019.

Any restaurants interested in signing up to the Uber Eats platform should visit here.

Edited by Fundisiwe Maseko

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