Last week the Mobility for Africa team had a meeting with the enthusiastic drivers of the Transport and Logistics Services in Domboshawa to hear about their experiences so far.

Cleopatra (pictured above) and Kupakwashe (pictured below) have both been driving since June. Cleopatra made the highest revenue and travelled the furthest of all drivers last month. She said, “I’m tired of being a housewife, I needed a job to support my children. I have customers every day, and so every day I can travel”. With two children, 3 and 6 years, Cleopatra described how driving the Hamba allows her flexibility and balance.

Kupakwashe previously sold clothes for a living which was not enough to support her family. As a single mother of two, 6 and 9-year-olds, she said “I’m the father and the mother, the breadwinner. It’s hard but the Hamba services have been a good solution”.

Regarding acquiring customers Cleopatra said they have high demand because the drivers are reliable, affordable and available 24/7. They are a popular option for local businesses who would otherwise have to hire cars or walk long distances with products and/ or supplies.

“I used to find businesswomen and men and say if you need a ride, talk to me and I’ll do it, now they find us and call up. They know we have a ride, and we’ll do it”, explained Cleopatra. The gender ratio of business owning customers is even and women make up more of the passengers transported.

When asked if they would recommend the services to others Cleopatra gestured to the new drivers and those waiting to pass their test saying, “of course, that’s why they’re all here”. The Transport and Logistics team promotes green jobs and the drivers, current and prospective, are keen, motivated and work within groups to support each other and maximise the use of Hamba.