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 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.
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, the 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.
Saskia de Jongh, GM of Uber Eats EMEA, comments: “Township economies have always been rich in entrepreneurial talent. 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.”
The progress was 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.
Lebogang Maile, MEC for Economic Development in Gauteng, says: “This partnership demonstrates what is possible when government policy is matched with delivery capability and trusted technology partners like Uber Eats.
“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.”