The online rivalry between Nigerians and South Africans has taken a new turn as citizens from both countries engage in a virtual prank war, using popular ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber to inconvenience each other. This playful yet disruptive trend has seen individuals from both nations order rides in each other’s countries, only to cancel them as soon as the driver accepts the request.
It all started when some South Africans began ordering and cancelling taxis in Nigeria from the comfort of their homes. Not to be outdone, Nigerians quickly retaliated by doing the same, ordering rides in South Africa while sitting in Nigeria. The prank involves placing an order, waiting for the driver to accept and possibly start heading to the location, then canceling the ride abruptly.
On social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Nigerians have been mobilizing their fellow citizens to join in on the prank, showcasing the “power of numbers.” Many Nigerians online have mocked South Africans, suggesting that they cannot win this “war” due to Nigeria’s larger population.
While some see the trend as harmless fun, others have raised concerns about its impact on the drivers, who are the unintended victims. These drivers, whether in Nigeria or South Africa, waste time, fuel, and energy responding to ride requests that are eventually canceled. For drivers who depend on these platforms for their livelihood, this prank is more than just a joke—it disrupts their work and leads to financial losses.
Bolt’s Response
Ride-hailing app Bolt has responded to the situation by taking action against those involved in the prank. The company has blocked several accounts that were repeatedly requesting and canceling rides. Additionally, Bolt has implemented restrictions on intercountry ride requests to prevent further misuse of the platform.
“We understand the impact this situation has had on our driver-partners in Nigeria and South Africa. We are committed to ensuring a safe, reliable, and secure experience for all members of our community,” said Yahaya Mohammed, Bolt’s country manager.
This online prank is just the latest chapter in the long-standing rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, one of the most prominent in Africa. The rivalry spans across various sectors, including sports, entertainment, and politics.
In sports, the football rivalry between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana is fierce, with matches between the two often attracting significant attention across the continent. Each team views the other as a regional powerhouse, leading to heated encounters and passionate debates among fans.
In the entertainment industry, the rise of Afrobeats in Nigeria and the influence of South African genres like Amapiano have fueled discussions about dominance in African music. While Nigerian artists have achieved global success, South Africans continue to showcase their vibrant local music scene in response.
Politically, Nigeria and South Africa have often competed for leadership roles in Africa, whether in economic influence, regional diplomacy, or within pan-African organizations. The xenophobic attacks in South Africa, which have targeted Nigerians, have further strained diplomatic relations and deepened tensions between the two nations.
Despite the rivalry and the current online prank war, Nigeria and South Africa remain key partners in driving growth and development across Africa. While the ride-hailing prank may be seen as a lighthearted way for citizens of both countries to engage in their rivalry, it is essential to recognize the real-world impact on the drivers who are caught in the middle. As both nations continue to interact in various arenas, a balance between friendly competition and mutual respect will be crucial in maintaining strong ties across the continent.
