By Theodorah Mawasha
MEIDENGEN-In this fast paced world, transport has become one of the popular business opportunities a lot of young people are venturing into. With e-hailing and maxi taxi’s becoming the most convenient and easily accessible mode of transport.
Ntebatse Sekgodisho, hailing at Meidingen village, under Greater Letaba Municipality, is a young man who is passionate about technology, web and software design. His passion and ambition led him to designing a Pickup App that is reliable, user-friendly and fast.
The 30-year-old, attended his Primary and High school in the village respectively. According to Sekgodisho, he was labeled as one of the intelligent pupil during his school years, who showed great potential from an early age.
He explained that the idea of creating an App came to him after realising the gap in the Tzaneen area, where people who did not have cars struggled to get around because public transport was scarce. “After identifying the gap in transport, I immediately contacted my friend who is now my business partner Senzo Mkhize about this idea and we started with the work. The App is called “Pickup App” and was launched on Google play store in December 2020.
The innovator further explained how the App works. “people request rides online and our drivers who are registered and reliable get the request and respond. We pick this up on the GEO location App which assists us to ascertain the exact pick up point of the client,” he added.
DOWNLOAD : Pick up is available on play store
The young entrepreneur mentioned that this method has proven to be effective because the operation has been smooth sailing since it’s inception. He acknowledged the enormous support they are getting from the residents and commuters.
He further indicated to Tzaneen Voice that the business is trying to curb unemployment, because people can join using their own vehicles. “It was not easy in the beginning because other taxi operators particularly maxi taxi drivers felt we were taking food out of their mouth. They fought tooth and nail to get us off the road. Nevertheless, we remained undeterred and determined to push forward “he continued.
Sekgodisho also mentioned they have made peace with their competitors and they have now also registered to be Pickup drivers and they work side by side. “My business is so well received, I am overwhelmed.I would like to see it crossing borders, operating outside the country and contributing to the African continent’s economy . Getting commuters from outside Limpopo Province has been my biggest highlight and we will be branching out soon.” He continued.
The taxis operate in areas like Kgapane, Lenyenye, Turfloop, Polokwane, Relela, Nkowankowa and Tzaneen. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to start with what they have no matter how little it is. “Never give up on your dreams. The universe always falls in love with a stubborn heart,” he concluded.
For transportation you can contact 0833901044 or email: Ntebatse@pickuptech.co.za. Visit the Facebook page:Pickup cab and on Twitter @NtebatseClement or @PickUpcab
