MotionAds Co-Founders Win Prestigious Eric Ellerine Entrepreneur Award for Innovation Powering South Africa’s Gig Economy

MotionAds co-founders Jonathan Berkowitz and Elan Band have been named joint recipients of the Eric Ellerine Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Investec, recognising their remarkable contribution to innovation and community upliftment within South Africa’s growing gig economy.

Founded in 2019, MotionAds is South Africa’s homegrown delivery bike advertising platform. The company connects brands directly with consumers while helping local delivery drivers earn supplementary income. To date, MotionAds has paid out over R21 million to independent drivers, transforming everyday motorcycles into mobile billboards and meaningful income generators.

“Winning this award is a deeply meaningful milestone for us. It affirms that purpose and performance can coexist - that a business with a social heartbeat can still deliver exceptional results,” says Jonathan Berkowitz, Co-Founder of MotionAds. “This recognition shines a light on the movement we’ve been building since 2019: turning delivery bikes into a force for good by creating brand visibility for advertisers and income support for drivers.”

Elan Band, Co-Founder of MotionAds, adds: “The award celebrates a business model where innovation uplifts people, not just profits. It validates years of hard work from our team and the thousands of delivery drivers who power our campaigns every day. It points to a future where business growth and social progress move forward together.”

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Uplifting South Africa’s Gig Workforce

South Africa’s gig economy is expanding rapidly, with recent studies estimating over 1.3 million platform-based workers across more than 90 platforms. Yet, many delivery drivers continue to face challenges such as low and irregular income, lack of job security, and financial strain.

The MotionAds model addresses this gap by providing drivers with structured, measurable income opportunities - the income from these brand placements aims to help increase driver net earnings by approximately 10% at minimum, directly supporting driver livelihoods and creating a tangible link between brand investment and social impact.

Driving Innovation Forward

Looking ahead, MotionAds is expanding into new territories and launching a driver app designed to better connect brands, riders, and communities.
“The app will feature smarter behavioural rewards, improved campaign tracking, and value-added services such as insurance options and financial tools for drivers,” explains Band. “These advancements are designed to help drivers grow their micro-enterprises and turn their two-wheel operations into more sustainable livelihoods. Our vision remains clear: to redefine what mobility means in Africa.”

From Three Bikes to a National Movement

What began as a handful of branded delivery bikes has evolved into a nationwide advertising network. MotionAds has grown organically through a bootstrapped approach, consistently reinvesting revenue into innovation, technology, and scale. Today, campaigns with blue-chip brands including Vodacom, Heineken, Nedbank, Pick n Pay, and PepsiCo stand as testament to a business that delivers both social impact and advertising performance.

For brand marketers and media planners, MotionAds offers a powerful proposition: high-visibility, transit-based advertising that drives measurable reach while empowering the people who deliver your message.

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