Bolt blocks inter-continental rides amid social media challenge

August 23, 2024 92

The South African e-hailing Association (SAeHA), has raised concern over the possible xenophobic violence, the Bolt prank on social media might spark between South Africans and Nigerians.

The SAEHA’s remarks come hot on the heels of e-hailing service Bolt’s decision to block inter-continental rides, following a surge of fake rides that cost drivers their time and money.

Initially, some South Africans on social media have been participating in a trend which was first called “Request in Nigeria Challenge”, which meant users would request rides in Nigeria from SA and cancel them later after confusing the driver with locations.

Later, Nigerians jumped onto the trend and started doing the same thing.

Now let’s continue;

South Africans last night, out of pure h@tred and undiluted jealousy, started booking Nigerian Bolt and Uber drivers only to cancel their orders in a bid to waste their time and fuel.

They called it the “Request in Nigeria” challenge pic.twitter.com/mr1JRhfCuM

— 🅱️E🅰️UTℹ️FUL_🅿️🅰️ℹ️N✝️🌊 (@Ice__pain) August 23, 2024

South Africans are doing a “Request in Nigeria” challenge where they are requesting Uber rides in Nigeria and wasting Driver’s money; time and fuel. Please if you’re Nigerian share this to alert them. This is so hateful and nasty fr https://t.co/lj3qM3BOYb

— Maame Afiba Bessa (@MaameAfibaBessa) August 21, 2024

Screenshots and recordings of the interactions with the confused unaware drivers have been widely shared, with many criticizing the prank, describing it as unsavory.

The Association spokesperson Vhatuka Mbelengwa, says while they have not been able to confirm any cases, they are concerned.

Bolt has also moved swiftly with identifying and blocking several individuals requesting fake rides.

While the e-hailing service says it is investigating who started this trend, some social media users have suggested that it was started by South Africans in the wake of the Miss SA saga.

The recent Miss South Africa pageant featuring Chidimma Adetshina not only lifted the lid on the corruption at Home Affairs but also the plight that many South Africans go through once their identities have been stolen.

It worked . pic.twitter.com/XM6FrWKKSK

— Gugu Nkosi (@iGugulamacrip) August 21, 2024

Well done Nigerians today we are shut down their bolt websites, tomorrow will go on into their pay on delivery marketing like foodstuff,mall and restaurants and continue from their
I dey Order🎶
I dey Order
I dey Order
I dey Order raise ham raise ham pic.twitter.com/C5HEFdSeSm

— 21 Chapo 𝕏 (@ElonChapo) August 22, 2024