Uber Eats and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development have joined township entrepreneurs, delivery people, and senior public and private sector leaders to celebrate a partnership that has exceeded its ambitions and delivered meaningful economic impact across Gauteng’s township economies.
The Township Celebration marked the progress on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2023 to support the implementation of the Township Development Act through the digitisation of township-based enterprises.
From Local Businesses to Citywide Demand
In 2023, Uber Eats signed a three-year partnership with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development to support the implementation of the Township Development Act by bringing township businesses into the digital economy. The agreement focused on digitising township restaurants and food businesses, creating earning opportunities for delivery people, and expanding access to customers beyond traditional walk-in trade.
Through the partnership, more than 2,000 township merchants have signed up to use the Uber Eats platform and have been provided support with training, tools, and visibility to help them grow. At the same time, over 7,500 delivery people have signed up and have been provided education materials, enabling reliable delivery networks within township areas.
So far, this partnership has generated over R1 billion in economic value for township merchants and additional earning opportunities for delivery people, driven by exposure to millions of new eaters across Gauteng. These outcomes demonstrate how digitisation and partnership can translate policy intent into measurable economic participation within township economies.
Partnership That Turns Policy into Progress
Saskia de Jongh, General Manager for Uber Eats EMEA, reflected on the significance of this milestone.
“Township economies have always been rich in entrepreneurial talent,” she said. “What this partnership reflects is what happens when access, demand, and delivery infrastructure come together in the right way. For us as Uber, this is not about technology for its own sake, it is about creating real, sustainable pathways for businesses and earners to participate in the economy and grow on their own terms.”
This progress has been supported by over R250 million in investment from Uber Eats, focused on enabling participation and long-term success. The investment has included merchant sign ups, hardware and in-app marketing tools to help township businesses increase visibility and build demand, as well as enabling pathways for earners to access new delivery bikes and education materials to support delivery people from a practical perspective.
General Manager for Uber Eats EMEA, Saskia de Jongh.
A Model Rooted in Community and Built for the Future
MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng, Lebogang Maile, emphasised the broader significance of the results.
“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when government policy is matched with delivery capability and trusted technology partners like Uber Eats,” he said. “Township economies are central to Gauteng’s growth, and through Uber Eats’ digital platform we have been able to expand access to markets and create real earning opportunities. The impact we are celebrating today reflects the entrepreneurs, delivery partners, and institutions who are building a stronger, more inclusive economy from the ground up. We are proud of this partnership and look forward to deepening its impact in 2026 and beyond.”
MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng, Lebogang Maile.
Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead
The Township Celebration also honoured outstanding township merchants and delivery people whose efforts have driven the success of the initiative, alongside a plaque unveiling recognising the partnership between Uber Eats and the Gauteng Provincial Government.
While the event marked a moment of pride and reflection, both partners were clear that the mandate continues. “The outcomes achieved to date demonstrate a model that has proven sustainable, scalable, and grounded in real economic participation, offering valuable lessons for how inclusive growth can be supported through collaboration and digitisation.”, said Ntsoaki Nsibanyoni, General Manager for Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa.
As Gauteng continues to invest in township economies, the partnership stands as proof that when ambition is matched with execution, long-standing barriers can give way to opportunity, resilience, and shared prosperity.