Empower wheel women
Phola Nkani Sakawuli says there is a demand for female drivers in ride-hailing industry
Many of us are using ride-hailing companies in East London. And woman drivers becoming more and more common.
Phola Nkani Sakawuli is a single mother of two, a businesswoman and a full-time Bolt driver.
Sakawuli started a restaurant business with excitement and high hopes for the future.
Unfortunately, she was dealt a heavy blow not long after opening day.
Just 20 days later, the Covid19 lockdown was announced, which forced Sakawuli to close her restaurant doors.
After the sudden death of her husband, Sakawuli, had to find a source of income so she could continue taking care of her family.
After gaining years of experience in the retail and entertainment industries, she decided to use the interpersonal skills she picked up and become a Bolt driver. “There’s a demand for female drivers.
“People feel safe with female drivers.
“Parents feel okay about letting their children ride in a Bolt with me because they trust that they will get to their destinations safely, ” said Sakawuli.
She maintains that this line of work requires someone who has a passion for the job, with a suited personality and people skills.
“I am a very talkative person. I chat to every person that gets into my car and we get to know each other.
“I make conversation with them because that is one way to ensure that I make an impression on them, as they make an impression with me too.
“This line of works requires people who have a passion for it, as well as the personality.
“There are safety concerns and I do have a few methods to protect myself.
“The most important thing for nme is to trust your instincts,” said Sakawuli.
She also aims to empower other women and open up space in the industry for more female drivers.
“I would like to have a fleet of female drivers.
“There is a demand for female drivers in the industry and I want to fill that gap.
“This is something I hope to achieve within the next two years.
“I want women to feel empowered.
“If you have a driver’s licence and you have time on your hands, go for it,” she said.
Bolt launched the “womenonly” ride option in 2020, which operates between 6am and 7pm daily to ensure the safety of woman drivers and passengers.
Sakawuli also runs her own shuttle service called Phola’s Shuttle Service.