• DiDi launches two festive giveaways for riders and drivers in an effort to spread festive cheer and give back to their communities
• 20 Drivers stand a chance to win a food voucher worth R1 000 each
• 20 Riders stand a chance to win travel vouchers to reunite with loved ones in South Africa
• DiDi continues its mission to invest in South Africans and support local communities

The recently discovered Omicron variant and sudden border closures have thrown a spanner in the works for many South Africans preparing to reunite with loved ones overseas this festive season. Many locals have been waiting for months to visit friends and family members abroad, many of whom they have not seen since the start of the pandemic.

The last two years have undoubtedly been challenging for all South Africans, with fears of a fourth wave only adding to the panic and stress we’ve already been facing. While vaccination numbers have been increasing, we still have a long way to go despite talk of mandatory vaccinations required to enter public spaces come February 2022.

As South Africans grapple with this latest blow, DiDi, one of the world’s leading e-hailing services platform, is providing a glimmer of hope in a bid to put the festive back into the season by bringing families together. “DiDi might be the newest player in the South African e-hailing game, but we are serious about paving the way through empowering the economy and the citizens of SA and giving back to the community, from riders to drivers,” shares Carina Smith-Allin, Head of PR & Communication for the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

More than just another e-hailing service

DiDi’s goal has always been to provide riders and drivers with safe and reliable mobility options, flexible earning potential and entrepreneurship opportunities. The company uses high-level resources and technology to provide valuable and much-needed solutions to South African riders and user-partners. “As a multi-national company, we remain dedicated to offering safe, affordable and reliable services to South Africans,” Smith-Allin continues.

“We’re committed to the communities we serve, starting with our efforts to drive vaccinations and providing South Africans with mobility to voting stations during the recent local government elections. Now, we want to give back to our riders and drivers this festive season, even in the smallest way.”

DiDi will be giving 20 drivers festive food vouchers to thank them for their dedication throughout the launch year. Drivers will be able to win by submitting their stories of hardship and why they believe they should receive the hamper and celebrate with their loved ones. “Drivers have been through some difficult times, with many lockdowns and inconsistencies throughout the year. They have not been able to make as much income as they could have due to the pandemic. Because of these unfortunate circumstances, basic needs such as provision for their families have dwindled and caused a great need,” adds Smith-Allin. “With these hampers, we hope to at least provide some relief to our drivers during a time of the year when nobody should go without.”

A passion for South Africa

Additionally, DiDi will be giving away 20 trips to riders wanting to reunite with family members across the country. Three of these will be air travel trips, but of course these are dependent on Covid-19 travel regulations at the time when the competition closes. “The rider giveaway will also be competition-based, where riders must submit their reasons for wanting to travel over the festive season,” she continues. “Families have been forced to remain separated for too long, and while we cannot assist those needing to travel abroad, we can help locals reunite with loved ones in South Africa.”

DiDi is well-known for investing in the community, and since its launch in the country, the company has developed a passion for South Africa and its people. “DiDi is serious about making inroads into the country from a business perspective, and building trust and reliability from all of those who interact with the brand and service is a big part of this journey.”

“Once again, this festive season is looking markedly different from the past, and DiDi would like to bring some relief and joy to those who might still be feeling like they need it most,” she concludes.

The competition mechanics will be as follows:

To stand a chance to win, simply click on this link which will feature on the competition and trends page on IOL (hyperlink to social media) and tell us your story on why you deserve to win these festive season trips.Don't forget to use #MakeItFestive and #DidiRiders / #DidiDrivers at the end of your comment.

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** T’s and C’s apply (Available on website). [1] 

About DiDi Chuxing

DiDi Chuxing (“DiDi”) is the world’s leading mobility technology platform. It offers a wide range of app-based services across Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa and Russia, including taxi-hailing, private car-hailing, ridesharing, bus, bikes & e-bikes, designated driving, automobile solutions, delivery, freight and logistics, and financial services.

DiDi provides car owners, drivers and delivery partners with flexible work and income opportunities. It is committed to collaborating with policymakers, the taxi industry, the automobile industry and the communities to solve the world’s transportation, environmental and employment challenges through the use of AI technology and localized smart transportation innovations. DiDi strives to create better life experiences and greater social value, by building a safe, inclusive and sustainable transportation and local services ecosystem for cities of the future.

For more information, please visit: https://za.didiglobal.com