Breaking News: E-Hailing Giant Bolt’s Female Driver-Partner "Self-Defense" Training Sparks Controversy
In a shocking move, Bolt has introduced "self-defense" training sessions for its female driver-partners in Johannesburg, sparking widespread debate about the true intentions behind this initiative.
As South Africa continues to grapple with skyrocketing crime rates, particularly in Gauteng, e-hailing companies like Bolt have come under scrutiny for their lack of investment in driver safety. In a bold move, Bolt claims that this new training program aims to empower female drivers with the skills they need to navigate the country’s treacherous roads.
But not everyone is convinced. Critics argue that this training is a thinly veiled attempt to shift the burden of responsibility from the company to the drivers themselves. By teaching drivers how to "be aware of their surroundings" and use "critical thinking" to avoid danger, Bolt is simply glossing over the real issue: the company’s own failure to provide a safe working environment.
"It’s all just a PR stunt," says an anonymous driver-partner. "Bolt doesn’t care about our safety. They’re just trying to make themselves look good while we’re out there putting our lives at risk every day."
Meanwhile, Bolt’s senior operations manager, Simo Kalajdzic, claims that the training is a vital part of the company’s commitment to driver safety. "We believe that by providing such initiatives, we not only enhance the safety of drivers but also foster a supportive and secure environment for everyone using our platform."
But as the e-hailing industry continues to face backlash over its handling of safety concerns, it remains to be seen whether Bolt’s new training program will be enough to silence the critics.
