Treating Delivery Drivers With Dignity: Small Acts That Make a Big Difference

South Africa’s delivery drivers are the invisible engine behind our convenience-driven world. They’re the reason a hot meal arrives at your door, the reason groceries make it home during load-shedding, and the reason small businesses can keep up with demand.

At MotionAds, we work directly with the Uber Eats delivery network, and spending time with drivers has shown us something powerful:
Behind every delivery is a human story. A parent providing for their family. A student paying for their studies. A breadwinner trying to make each month work in an economy that isn’t easy on anyone.

That’s why treating delivery drivers with respect isn't just courtesy - it’s a responsibility. And it’s central to the work we do. Recently, MotionAds hit the latest milestone of R20 million in driver payouts and to date, we've paid out over R21 million in additional income to delivery drivers through our campaigns. We’ve seen firsthand how a little support goes a long way.

Here’s how everyday South Africans can help uplift the people who keep our communities moving:

1. Lead with kindness

The simplest action is often the most powerful. A warm greeting, eye contact, saying “thanks for your work today” - these moments remind drivers that their efforts are seen and appreciated.

2. Be patient: the road isn’t easy

Delays aren’t always a sign of poor service. Drivers navigate traffic, weather, restaurant queues, and road hazards daily. Offering understanding instead of frustration creates a healthier, more humane environment.

3. Tip when you can

With rising fuel and maintenance costs, tips matter more than ever. Even small amounts stack up and can change a driver’s day - or their entire week. If you’re able to tip through the app or in cash, it’s one of the most direct ways to show appreciation.

4. Offer small moments of care

A bottle of water on a hot day, a quick compliment, holding the gate open - these gestures may seem tiny, but drivers consistently tell us how much they value them. They bring humanity back into a system that can often feel transactional.

5. Remember: these are community members, not just service providers

Drivers aren’t “strangers on bikes.” They’re part of our neighbourhoods. They support families, pay fees, and keep local restaurants alive by enabling deliveries. Recognising them as people first is the foundation of meaningful change.

At MotionAds, our mission has always been to uplift the gig economy while helping brands make hyper-local impact through our partnership with Uber Eats and our ever-growing driver network. Every campaign puts income back into drivers’ pockets, builds visibility for brands, and strengthens the ecosystem that keeps South Africa moving.

But real impact doesn’t only come from companies - it comes from individuals too.

So next time your delivery arrives, take a moment to spread a little kindness. A small gesture from you can help create the respect-driven culture drivers deserve.