Taxi industry embraces connectivity and digital tools for the modern commuter. Picture Credits: MedAfricaTimes
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – Sebenza Wi-Fi, the free connectivity service used by around two million South African commuters each year, is set to expand nationwide through a partnership with Toyota. The initiative will see Sebenza hotspots installed in all new Toyota Quantum taxis, giving passengers access to free Wi-Fi during their daily commutes.
Speaking at a media event in Johannesburg, Sebenza co-founder and CEO Wesley Dorning explained that the company’s business model centres on creating value for commuters, drivers, taxi owners, associations, and brands. Users earn “Sebenza Bucks” by engaging with advertising, surveys, or other content, which they can then redeem for free Wi-Fi access.
“We’re in 7 500 taxis in total and around a thousand buses,” Dorning said. “Everybody that comes into contact with Sebenza gets value.” The routers installed in taxis can accommodate up to 50 devices simultaneously, with speeds averaging between 30 and 50 megabits per second, depending on the quality of the 4G/LTE network in the area. The signal has a range of up to 100 metres, and sessions remain continuous, allowing commuters to retain their Sebenza Bucks across trips.
Drivers also benefit from continuous connectivity at home, which some have used to help their children with homework or access study materials.
Rapid National Roll-Out : Sebenza has designed its routers and installation cables to minimise downtime, allowing installation in just 10 minutes per vehicle. The efficiency of the process was demonstrated to Communications Minister Solly Malatsi at the Randburg taxi rank in Johannesburg. Dorning said speed of installation is essential for driver buy-in, as taxis cannot afford to lose revenue during peak hours.
Through its partnership with Toyota, Sebenza has simplified the installation process even further, making it an “activation-only” process. Once the South African National Taxi Association (Santaco) approves participation from its members, Sebenza can remotely activate Wi-Fi services in selected taxis, accelerating nationwide coverage.
“This is important to us as we scale nationally because it enables us to get more commuters connected faster and seamlessly,” Dorning said.
Minister Malatsi praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of filling connectivity gaps for commuters travelling to work and schools. He also encouraged Sebenza to expand the service to include educational tools that enable productive online engagement, saying:
“Through education and skilling, we will get more South Africans to participate in the digital economy and give them an opportunity to better their lives through connectivity.”
Taxi Industry Embraces the Digital Era: Santaco spokeswoman Rebecca Phala said the expansion of Wi-Fi lays the foundation for other digital initiatives, including cashless payment systems and tag-based loading options for commuters.
“The taxi industry is embracing modernity both in daily operations and in the work that we do. While we know the business of operating licences and managing routes, we rely on partners like Sebenza to navigate the legislation and technology involved in digitisation,” Phala explained.
By partnering with Sebenza, Santaco says it has been able to accelerate the rollout of digital services more efficiently than if the association had attempted it alone. The initiative reflects the broader push by the taxi industry to modernise and enhance the commuting experience for millions of South Africans.
