Interview: Ashif Black on inDrive's commitment to drivers in South Africa

As fuel prices rise and living costs continue to squeeze South Africans, mobility has become one of the biggest daily expenses for millions of people, and drivers within the ride-hailing sector have felt this impact even more sharply. 

In response, inDrive has introduced a 1% commission initiative in Johannesburg and Pretoria, allowing drivers to keep 99% of their earnings during the promotional period.

IOL spoke to Ashif Black, inDrive’s Country Representative for South Africa, to understand the thinking behind this initiative, the company’s broader vision, and what South Africans can expect in the months ahead.

Why did inDrive decide to introduce the 1% commission initiative in South Africa, and what impact do you expect it to have on driver livelihoods?

Drivers are under immense financial pressure. Fuel, maintenance and everyday household costs continue to rise, and we wanted to offer real, immediate support. By reducing our commission to just 1%, drivers keep 99% of their earnings, and this has a direct impact. 

For many, it means more fuel in the tank, more money for their families and greater financial stability. This initiative is about giving drivers relief at a time when they need it most.

How have drivers in Johannesburg and Pretoria responded since the initiative launched?

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Drivers have told us they are seeing a meaningful boost in their earnings, and many appreciate that a platform is finally giving them a bigger share of each trip. 

We’ve also seen increased engagement, stronger driver retention, and a growing number of new drivers signing up because the offer directly improves their take-home income. 

For many, this initiative has validated that inDrive genuinely listens and responds to their needs.

Why did inDrive choose Johannesburg and Pretoria for the 1% commission initiative, and could other cities expect similar programmes in the near future?

Johannesburg and Pretoria are two of the busiest metros in the country, and we’ve seen strong growth in these regions. They are also among the most affected by rising transport costs, so lowering commissions has an immediate positive impact. 

While the initiative is currently focused on these cities, we are exploring opportunities to roll out similar programmes in other regions. 

This is just the beginning, our ultimate goal as always is to continue to support drivers nationwide.

With South Africans facing rising fuel costs and inflation, how does inDrive’s model help drivers and riders manage their daily transport expenses?

Our model is built around fairness and flexibility. Drivers can negotiate fares that reflect their actual operational costs, while riders can propose prices that suit their budgets.

In a tough economy, this transparency helps both sides reach a fair agreement. Combined with our low commission structure, it means drivers earn more and passengers still have access to affordable mobility.

Many people are curious about the negotiation model - how does it work in practice, and what makes it fair for both riders and drivers?

The model is simple: passengers propose a fare, and drivers can accept, decline or counteroffer. Both sides agree on the price upfront. There are no hidden fees, no algorithmic surge pricing and no surprises.

It gives drivers agency over their income and gives passengers transparency before the trip starts. That balance is what makes it fair.

What difference does inDrive hope to make in communities where ride-hailing has become an essential service for work, school and healthcare access?

Affordable, reliable transport is essential for many households, especially in communities with limited public transport. Helping drivers earn more and keeping fares transparent improves access to these everyday services. 

Drivers feeling supported and fairly compensated contributes to safer, more consistent and more dependable mobility across communities.

South Africa has seen driver protests over high commissions on other platforms. How is inDrive positioning itself as a fairer alternative?

Drivers have been very clear about their frustration with high commissions. Our model directly addresses that by keeping commissions significantly lower than the industry average. 

Globally, our commission never exceeds 10.95%, and with the 1% initiative, we’re demonstrating our commitment to fairness in the most practical way possible. 

Drivers deserve more control and a greater share of their earnings, and that’s where we stand.

Looking ahead, what innovations or improvements can South Africans expect from inDrive as part of its long-term vision for mobility in the country?

Our long-term vision is to build a mobility ecosystem that is people-first, transparent and community-driven. We’re investing in new safety technology, expanding service offerings and building more driver-focused programmes. 

We’re also looking at ways to support mobility in townships and underserved areas. South Africa is a key market for us, and we’re committed to long-term growth that benefits both drivers and riders.

“Our goal is simple: to create a fairer, more transparent and more human mobility experience for everyone in South Africa. The 1% commission initiative is one step toward that vision, and we’re excited to continue working closely with communities, drivers and passengers to build a better future for ride-hailing in the country.” — Ashif Black, Country Representative, inDrive South Africa