South Africa’s unemployment rate has skyrocketed, and young, educated people are the most affected. Today, the unemployment rate is 41.1%, the highest number compared to other countries. The unemployment rate has weakened our economy; our current economic climate is also unfavorable to the working class. Prices for basic needs like food have increased; middle-class income earners can’t afford decent lives, while others are drowning in debt.
However, amidst these challenges, gig work, informally known as a “side hustle” in South Africa, is increasing and is being used to curb the unemployment rate and contribute to the country’s economy. The gig work or side hustle greatly benefits the livelihoods of middle-class income earners and unemployed people in South Africa, offering a ray of hope in these challenging times.
The rise of e-commerce in South Africa is a significant factor in the gig economy worker’s growth
According to the World Wide Worx report, compiled in partnership with Mastercard, Peach Payments, and AskAfrica, South Africa’s e-commerce sector has overgrown, reaching R71 billion in sales value last year. This significant growth in e-commerce created massive job opportunities for Gig Economy Workers in South Africa. We have also seen e-commerce companies like Takealot joining forces with the Gauteng provincial government to ensure they provide the necessary skills (the Takealot driver development program) to unemployed youth in the Gauteng townships to boost the e-commerce sector and open more opportunities for gig workers.
How does using the iFearLESS Panic Button Emergency App Curb the Risks Involved in SA’s Gig Work?
While the e-commerce sector in South Africa is booming, it’s essential to acknowledge the risks that gig economy workers face in their day-to-day tasks, such as delivering or collecting goods and transporting people. With the high crime rate, gig economy workers constantly work in fear for their lives as they become prime targets for criminals. If their delivery motorbikes or cars are not being hijacked, they risk being killed and robbed of the money or goods they are transporting. This dire situation poses the biggest challenge for gig workers, forcing them to carefully choose their locations, which often results in reduced income.
The iFearLESS Panic Button emergency panic app was developed in response to these challenges with South African gig economy workers in mind. This emergency call app acts like a bodyguard, providing an emergency panic button that gig workers can press if they feel unsafe or need immediate assistance. This simple yet powerful tool can significantly impact their daily lives. It offers a layer of security and peace of mind that allows them to focus on their work without constantly fearing for their safety.
Using the iFearLESS Panic Button emergency panic app, gig economy workers can mitigate the risks associated with their jobs, improving safety and potentially higher earnings as they can accept more work without the looming fear of crime. This technological solution is particularly crucial in South Africa, where gig work is a vital component of the economy and a pivotal answer to the unemployment crisis. The iFearLESS Panic Button emergency panic button app supports gig workers by enhancing their safety. It contributes to the broader effort of creating a more secure and sustainable gig economy in South Africa, providing a ray of hope and motivation in these challenging times.
A Real-Life Scenario: How an Uber Driver Can Use the iFearLESS Panic Button Emergency Panic Button App
Imagine an Uber driver, John, who picks up a late-night ride in a neighborhood known for its high crime rate. As he drives through the area, he begins to feel uneasy and notices suspicious behavior from some individuals nearby. With the iFearLESS Panic Button app installed on his phone, John can quickly press the emergency panic button.
This action immediately alerts emergency responders and their designated contacts, providing their exact location and a call for help. Within moments, John receives confirmation that help is on the way, giving him the confidence and peace of mind to continue his work, knowing that support is readily available if the situation escalates.
Take Action for your Safety: Download the iFearLESS Panic Button Emergency Panic App Today
The iFearLESS Panic Button emergency panic button app is an essential tool for gig economy workers in South Africa, offering protection in a high-risk environment. To enhance your safety and security while working, download the iFearLESS Panic Button app today and pay a monthly subscription fee of R 50.
The iFearLESS Panic Button app is available for both Apple and Android users; use the links below:
Visit our website ifearLESS to learn more about the app’s features and how it can improve your daily work life. Stay safe and fearless with iFearLESS Panic Button!