" We won't use it": Santaco's Shesha app meets resistance from SA commuters
The South African taxi industry took a step into the digital age with the launch of the Shesha app in 2024, which was designed to challenge e-hailing giants like Uber and Bolt.
Shesha’s launch in Gauteng in early 2024 was a significant milestone, introducing the taxi industry to the e-hailing landscape. The platform is a joint venture between <a href="
Imagine using this Shesha service launched by SANTACO only for you to be caught up in a hail of bullets, directed at the driver! I am definitely sticking to bolt and uber!
We’ve watched these guys terrorise us on the roads, they killed over 10 uber and bolt drivers already! I… pic.twitter.com/SQrQg4NCi4
— Slaughter. (@BafanaSurprise) December 30, 2025
“>SANTACO and NTA, with backing from organisations such as the Gauteng Taxi Industry Trust and Santaco Gauteng.
Shesha was developed to resolve long-standing conflicts between traditional taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber, which frequently led to drivers being prevented from entering specific areas or competing effectively. Through collaborations with taxi associations, Shesha has assured passengers that there are no ‘no-go’ zones within Gauteng, allowing for seamless travel throughout the province.
SANTACO Takes on Uber & Bolt 🚕
SANTACO has officially launched Shesha, its own e-hailing app aimed at competing directly with Uber and Bolt. The move is designed to give the taxi industry more control, create jobs, and keep profits within local hands. Shesha signals a bold pic.twitter.com/offfrjrqE2
— Zola Hashatsi ka Motsiri (@zola_hashatsi) December 30, 2025
However, many Gauteng residents have chosen not to support the new taxi service, feeling that the existing mini-bus taxi industry already serves the market.
Citizens are sticking with established e-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt. Some say they will not use the new service if it is similar to local taxis, citing a fear of disrespect from drivers and general mistreatment.
Citizens’ reactions to the Shesha taxi app, as seen in comments on X (formerly Twitter), suggest a struggle with the taxi industry’s existing reputation.
User @Nkgopus, for example, noted: “Good idea. Problem, their business (taxi) has been associated with violence, and it’s gonna be difficult to convince clients that this Shesha will be free of any bad reputation.”
Similarly, Senzo Ndlazi expressed outright scepticism: “Nothing good will come from those. As long as it’s associated with the taxi industry.”
In a more practical-sounding comment, @BuhleTheFirst warned about potential service issues: “Something tells me this one won’t wait for you at all. You better be outside, or they will leave.”
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