Bongani Ndlovu started Ubering in Gauteng six months ago, and as a perk, he started sharing his personal WiFi hotspot as a thank-you to every rider who uses his services.
Johannesburg, South Africa (04 November 2024) — I was on my way to a work event for Good Things Guy, and Bongani Ndlovu (54) was my Uber driver for the trip. After the general chatter about the lack of rain and the next heatwave, Bongani pulled out a plastic-covered sheet of paper and informed me that if I needed WiFi, I could sign into his hotspot for the trip.
I sat with the page in my hands, feeling highly impressed by the added service to the trip. I often work in an Uber (because good news never stops!) and hotspot my laptop from my phone to get all the good things out to you, our readers. It just so happened that I didn’t need wifi that day, but it inspired a great conversation for the rest of the trip.
Bongani has been an Uber driver for the past six months. When he isn’t on shift, he works at another service as a chauffeur who drives people after a boozy night out. He started doing Uber to earn extra money.
I asked him how much data he has that he is able to share. He said his contract is for 30 gigs, but he and his family only use about nine gigs. He realised he could share the remaining data with his riders as thanks.
As he said on the day “this is my thank you for buying me bread”. Every trip and tip helps him put food on the table. But delving even deeper into the kind act, Bongani later shared that it comes down to safety. Offering something so personal helps build trust and puts people at ease.
“Since our Uber customers don’t feel safe when we drive them, if I give you my wifi, definitely you will trust me because you can see I’m registered with and with the network of MTN”
I was so deeply impressed by Bonagi and his act of sharing what he had. His thoughtful act stuck with me the entire day, and part of me had hoped I would see him again, but we caught up on WhatsApp for this interview, and he was just as humble as ever!
Guys, my @Uber_RSA driver Bongani gives his riders free WiFi! He says he is with @MTNza and he never manages to finish his package, so now he hotspots his passengers.
Saying “this is my thank you for buying me bread”.
I love South Africa! pic.twitter.com/PWB1fM8pzh
— Tyler Leigh Vivier (@tylerleighv) October 24, 2024
So, if you find yourself in Bongani’s car, tell him hello from the Good Things Guy team. He will be sure to get you connected for the duration of your trip and offer some great conversation along the way.
We truly love South Africa and all her generous people! Thank you, Bongani.
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