In South Africa, where commuting can be daunting for young people, inDrive and TEARS Foundation are stepping up to make the journey safer. Every day, students and youth face unsafe routes, unfamiliar drivers, and even online threats that spill into daily life. To address these challenges, inDrive South Africa, in partnership with the TEARS Foundation, recently hosted a youth mobility training session aimed at fostering a culture of safety, respect, and accountability across the country’s transport systems.
The initiative responded to the growing risks young commuters face, especially women and students, who are statistically more vulnerable to harassment, accidents, and gender-based violence. “Our goal is to make every journey safer for all commuters, especially young people and students,” said Ashif Black, Country Representative for inDrive South Africa.
Building Confidence Through Education
At the heart of the training was a simple but powerful mission to give young people the knowledge and confidence they need to travel safely. The sessions involved practical strategies to manage everyday challenges in public transport while reinforcing that safety is not only an individual responsibility but also a shared community duty.
Mara Glennie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the TEARS Foundation, stressed the impact of informed commuters. “Our mission is to give young people the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate transport safely, so they can move freely and with dignity. When youth are informed and vigilant, they become powerful agents of change in their communities.”
This message resonates strongly in a context where the TEARS Foundation handled over 75,000 requests for assistance in 2024 alone a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive safety measures.
Combining Training with Technology
While education is crucial, inDrive also showcased how technology can provide an added layer of protection. Its app includes features such as the SOS button, Share Trip function, Trusted Contacts, and in-app calls that shield personal numbers, all backed by 24/7 support. These tools are complemented by backend safeguards like AI moderation, profile verification, and complaint response systems that work continuously to block harmful behavior.
According to Black, the combination of knowledge and technology is key to empowering commuters. “We want young people using inDrive to feel safe, supported, and in control. Young commuters face real risks on our roads and in public transport, and it’s critical they know how to protect themselves and each other.”
Safety as a Shared Responsibility
Ultimately, the training emphasized that safety is a collective effort. Respect, accountability, and vigilance not only protect individual passengers but also foster a safer environment for drivers and the broader community by weaving together practical education, community empowerment, and digital tools.read more like this here
