While most of South Africa reflects on the past this Freedom Day, Soweto is doing something a little different — it’s turning its gaze firmly toward the future.

This iconic township isn’t just remembering 31 years of democracy; it’s celebrating progress in motion.

And helping to drive that momentum is inDrive, the global ride-hailing platform that’s been quietly reshaping everyday travel in South Africa for six years now.

A New Chapter for Freedom of Movement

Instead of marking this milestone with just another marketing push, inDrive is taking a more meaningful route.

They’ve partnered with local Soweto creatives and businesses to put a spotlight on something bigger — the freedom of movement, choice, and opportunity.

“Soweto is moving, and inDrive is moving with it,” says Ashif Black, inDrive’s Country Representative in South Africa.

The idea? To remind people that freedom isn’t only about where we’ve been — it’s also about where we’re headed, and how we get there.

Art with a Purpose: A Mural That Speaks Volumes

As part of the celebration, inDrive teamed up with local twins Fhatuwani and Justice Mukheli — founders of I See A Different You — to create a powerful mural right in the heart of Soweto. It’s more than just public art.

It’s a symbol of pride, progress, and the creativity thriving within the community.

Alongside the mural, inDrive has helped breathe new life into 14 spaza shops around the township.

These small, locally owned shops now boast fresh branding and, most importantly, free WiFi for their customers.

The goal? To make these gathering spots even more connected and accessible.

Building Opportunity, One Spaza Shop at a Time

“These murals and shop revamps are more than aesthetic upgrades — they’re direct bridges to opportunity,” explains Black.

“We’re making sure everyday spaces where Sowetans gather, shop, and connect are supported in real, tangible ways.”

For many locals, these spaza shops are more than convenience stores — they’re vital community hubs.

With the addition of free internet, they’re becoming launchpads for digital access and connection.

A Global Mission Rooted in Local Action

This initiative ties directly into inDrive’s global mission: to challenge inequality and give people more control over their daily lives.

Whether it’s through their unique ride-hailing model or these community-centered projects, inDrive is about leveling the playing field — one ride, one mural, and one shop at a time.

As the platform celebrates six years in South Africa, it’s not just counting rides.

It’s recognizing the thousands of safe, affordable journeys taken and the deeper relationships built with communities like Soweto.

A Ride-Hailing Model That Puts People First

So what makes inDrive different from the usual ride-hailing apps? It comes down to choice.

Their peer-to-peer model puts the power directly in the hands of riders and drivers:

Set your own fare: Riders can propose a price, and drivers decide whether to accept it.
No hidden charges, no nasty surprises.
Pick your route: Skip the detours and get straight to your destination.
Choose your driver: Check out profiles, ratings, and preferences before you hop in.

“We believe freedom of movement is a form of empowerment,” says Black. “

And that’s why we also offer the lowest commission fees in the country — so drivers can earn fairly and passengers get more value for their money.”

Looking Ahead While Honoring the Past

Freedom Day has always been about remembering how far South Africa has come since April 27, 1994.

But for inDrive and the people of Soweto, this year’s celebration feels more like a springboard than a time capsule.

Rather than focusing on what needs fixing, the message is clear: the real power lies in what we do next — how we move, who we uplift, and how we shape the next chapter of our freedom story.