Wanatu has introduced its most significant mobile app update since its launch in 2024, a move aimed at improving user experience and strengthening its position in South Africa’s ride-hailing market.

The upgrade comes as demand rises for more reliable and safer transport services in urban hubs such as Pretoria and Centurion, where the company has steadily built its customer base.

The update arrives at a time when Africa’s digital mobility sector is becoming more competitive, with operators under pressure to improve service quality, payment systems, and real-time functionality.

Global platforms such as Uber and Bolt continue to dominate parts of the market, pushing smaller regional players to refine their offerings.

Wanatu said the redesign is focused on speed, clarity, and ease of use, shaped by direct feedback from riders.

The company said the goal is to simplify how users book trips, track drivers, and manage payments within a single system.

The update also reflects a wider shift in Africa’s transport technology space, where ride-hailing services are increasingly adding logistics and business tools alongside core mobility functions.

App overhaul and new features

Wanatu systems and logistics manager Gustav Grotius said the new version was built to make the platform “simpler, faster, and more intuitive” for everyday users.

The redesign introduces scheduled rides, a prepaid wallet, improved navigation tools, courier services for small parcels, and business accounts for companies managing staff travel.

The app is now available on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery. A yellow icon has been added to help users distinguish it from the older version, which will remain active until 15 June 2026.

Safety model and service structure

Since its launch, Wanatu has positioned itself as a locally focused alternative in South Africa’s ride-hailing space, with a strong emphasis on driver employment.

Unlike the contractor-based model used by major platforms, Wanatu employs full-time drivers on fixed salaries and operates a fleet of company-owned vehicles.

The company says this structure allows for tighter oversight, including background checks, driver training, and vehicle maintenance.

All vehicles are inspected regularly and kept at depots between shifts to ensure consistent standards of cleanliness and roadworthiness.

User feedback and app challenges

While the service has been praised for driver professionalism and vehicle condition, the previous version of the app received mixed reviews from users.

It held an average rating of 2.3 across major app stores, with complaints focused on login issues, tracking errors, and limited fare visibility.

Grotius said the redesigned platform is intended to reflect the reliability customers already experience during rides, while addressing technical issues that affected earlier versions.

He said the upgrade is part of a broader effort to rebuild confidence and improve day-to-day usability.