Johannesburg, 21 January 2024 — Twytch, a tech-savvy new e-hailing platform, is officially launching in South Africa, promising to update the ride-sharing experience for drivers and passengers. This new player promises a serious commitment to safety, affordability, driver empowerment and "spatial justice" — a term denoting a more comfortable ride. Twytch has set a new benchmark in South Africa's dynamic e-hailing industry.

Twytch is the first e-hailing platform in Africa to use blockchain backed identity verification software. The e-hailing company has exclusively partnered with Secure Citizen to put in place a Verifiable Credential (VC) system for all users.

Denvin Naidoo, Safety and Security Lead: Twytch Africa, says, "Blockchain technology and verifiable credentials are not just enhancing safety and security, they redefine what trust means in the e-hailing service industry.  Every ride is a safe space; every interaction is verified and every user is protected.”

Verifiable Credentials (VCs) are secure, digital representations of identity information that are cryptographically stored on a decentralised blockchain and are nearly impossible to forge or alter. Unlike traditional identification methods, VCs are digital, tamper-proof and ensure that only verified users can access the platform.

The e-hailing industry in South Africa has long grappled with safety concerns, including incidents of identity fraud and crimes involving unverified users.

Martin Grunewald, Chief Executive: Global Growth at Secure Citizen, says the blockchain-backed identity verification system sets a new standard for security and reliability in the sector.

"Twytch is setting a new benchmark in Africa with our industry-first advanced digital identity verification technology. When you book a ride, you want to feel confident you're in good hands — and drivers deserve the same confidence about the riders they welcome into their cars. VC raises the bar for safety and security in ride-sharing, creating a more trusted experience for everyone involved."

Additionally, Twytch has joined forces with the Momentum Group to boost driver empowerment. This strategic, partly subsidised partnership, equips drivers with better access to essential benefits, including medical insurance and funeral policies.

“This partnership with Twytch employs our Health4Me offering, which aims to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that empower both employers and their employees to lead healthier lives”, says Damian McHugh, Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Health.

Through its partners, Twytch will also provide drivers with banking and financial solutions. This includes vehicle insurance, retirement, death and disability benefits, wills, estate planning and financial wellness programmes. Drivers will also receive subsidised data and access to smart devices.

To further shake things up, Twytch has eliminated commission-based earnings. Instead, drivers will enjoy a fixed rate payment structure, a daily meal allowance, an annual bonus on the anniversary of their start date, subsidised benefits to reduce their operational costs and the certainty of no hidden deductions. This is another industry first.

For passengers, Twytch has introduced a transparent, surge free pricing model, where fixed rate fares reflect real-time traffic conditions, ensuring that they only pay the exact amount when booking. Twytch is cashless and will only accept payments via card, or via the in-app wallet.

Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Wearevalora, Warrick Guest, adds, "Twytch is a movement for change, aiming to become a cultural verb in the South African and African e-hailing space. We are committed to creating opportunities for drivers, ensuring affordability for passengers and setting new safety standards."

Rodney Douglas, Twytch Operations Lead, Africa, concludes, "At Twytch, we’re raising the bar for ride-sharing by prioritising driver-centric rewards and passenger satisfaction. From comprehensive benefits to communication training, our drivers will be equipped to provide an unparalleled experience. South Africans deserve the best, and Twytch will deliver."

Twytch will launch city by city from February, starting in Johannesburg. It will then roll out in Durban, Cape Town, and Pretoria. The company’s long-term plan is to expand across South Africa and into Africa. Driver recruitment has officially opened, with 12 500 drivers being taken onboard country-wide. Drivers can email drive@twytch.app for more information.