South Africa’s last-mile delivery market is undergoing rapid growth, driven by the explosion of eCommerce, food delivery services, and on-demand logistics. With more South Africans shopping online and expecting faster service, the motorcycle delivery industry has become one of the country’s most dynamic and promising job markets.
From major retailers, restaurants, and courier services to pharmacies, companies across sectors are investing heavily in efficient, technology-driven delivery solutions to meet customer demand. Behind this growth lies an untapped opportunity — one that could reshape the future of youth employment in South Africa.
The Challenge: A Shortage of Licensed South African Motorcycle Drivers
Despite rising demand, the pool of licensed South African motorcycle delivery drivers remains very limited.
Currently, approximately 96% of last-mile delivery riders in South Africa are foreign nationals, many operating without the necessary documentation or valid licenses. This poses growing challenges for delivery platforms, restaurants, and regulatory bodies focused on compliance and safety.
Meanwhile, thousands of unemployed South African youth are eager to join the sector but face multiple barriers, such as:
● Lack of access to motorcycle training and licensing programmes
● Financial constraints that make it difficult to obtain or maintain bikes
● Limited opportunities to relocate to high-demand delivery hubs in major cities
These obstacles limit entry into an industry that has the potential to create thousands of jobs for young South Africans.
The Shift: A National Opportunity
As the demand for compliant and reliable delivery services grows, platforms like Mr D, Uber Eats, and Bolt Food are under increasing pressure to prioritize South African drivers.
This shift represents a national opportunity to:
● Empower unemployed youth through formal job creation
● Strengthen compliance and road safety standards
● Drive inclusive economic transformation across communities
With the right support and infrastructure, South Africans can become the driving force of a sustainable, homegrown delivery economy.
Our Solution: Building South Africa’s Local Delivery Workforce
At Lularides, we are bridging the gap between unemployment and opportunity in the motorcycle delivery industry.
Our solution focuses on empowering local youth through:
1. Identification & Training Recruiting unemployed youth from targeted districts and providing accredited motorcycle driver training and licensing.
2. Relocation & Placement Connecting trained riders to high-demand delivery hubs and employers in major metros.
3. Ongoing Employment Support Offering continued mentorship, compliance support, and long-term career development opportunities.
Through this model, Lularides helps both youth and businesses succeed — creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified, licensed, and job-ready South African riders.
Why It Matters
Investing in South African motorcycle drivers goes far beyond meeting industry demand. It’s about:
● Reducing youth unemployment
● Promoting road safety and compliance
● Transforming the last-mile delivery landscape
The last-mile delivery industry in South Africa is not slowing down — and neither is Lularides’ commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive workforce that keeps the country moving.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a business looking for reliable last-mile delivery solutions or a young person eager to start a career on two wheels, Lularides is here to help you ride into opportunity.
