A newly released, security-focused e-hailing platform will connect passengers with professionally screened, registered security officers as drivers.
Gqeberha — Zippi, a new South African e-hailing company, is preparing to introduce a security-driven passenger transport platform designed to place safety, accountability and passenger confidence at the centre of every journey.
Built around Nelson Mandela Bay and the people who move through it every day, Zippi is led by Duane Liebenberg, Chris Morgan, Shannon Bridger and Kaylin Gilbert, Zippi is being developed in response to growing concerns about passenger safety within the e-hailing industry.
Unlike conventional e-hailing services, Zippi will require its drivers to be registered security officers who have undergone formal identity, licence, background and professional compliance checks before being permitted to transport passengers through the platform.
“Zippi is not simply another e-hailing application. It is a security-driven transport service created for passengers who want greater confidence in the person behind the wheel,” said Duane Liebenberg.
The Zippi driver-screening process will include verification of security-industry registration, criminal-clearance documentation, a valid driver’s licence, Professional Driving Permit, vehicle licensing, roadworthiness and other applicable operating requirements. Prospective drivers will also be required to attend a formal in-person screening before activation.
The platform is being designed to combine convenient passenger transport with enhanced security measures, including:
- Registered and professionally screened security officers as drivers
- Verified driver and passenger profiles
- Live journey and location tracking
- Emergency and panic-response functionality
- Active trip monitoring and security notifications
- Driver, vehicle and compliance-document verification
- Journey records and digital incident reporting
- Controlled driver onboarding and periodic compliance reviews
- Passenger support and escalation procedures
- Security-focused operational oversight
Chris Morgan said the leadership team’s objective is to establish a higher standard of responsibility within the e-hailing sector.
“Passengers should know who is transporting them, whether that person has been properly screened and what support is available if something goes wrong. Zippi is being built around that responsibility,” Morgan said.
The service is expected to be particularly valuable to women, parents, children travelling with guardians, students, business professionals, elderly passengers, tourists, shift workers and people travelling during early-morning or late-night hours.
Shannon Bridger, Zippi’s Information Officer, will help oversee the company’s approach to privacy, responsible information management and the protection of passenger and driver data.
“Safety must extend beyond the vehicle. It must also include the responsible handling of personal information, transparent communication and clear accountability throughout the passenger journey,” Bridger said.
Kaylin Gilbert added that Zippi intends to create a service that remains welcoming and convenient while delivering a visibly stronger security presence.
“We want passengers to feel comfortable from the moment they request a ride until they arrive at their destination. Zippi is about making security part of the complete travel experience,” Gilbert said.
Zippi’s planned rollout represents a new category of e-hailing in South Africa—one in which technology, transport and professional security are brought together within a single passenger platform.
The company will release further information regarding driver recruitment, passenger registration, operating areas and official launch dates as its rollout progresses.
