At a time when South Africa's unemployment rate has continued to challenge households across the country, Shesha Taxi Services has emerged with the aim to become a force for economic ability and community impact.
The Tuk Tuk network operating across Rosebank, Sandton and Pretoria, has created more than 200 jobs, enabled over R10-million in driver earnings, and completed upwards of 500 000 trips since 2013. Turning a local transport idea into a source of income, dignity and stability for hundreds of families, Shesha is quickly becoming a household name — and a community friend, says the service.
Built on the belief that mobility can be a catalyst for community upliftment, Shesha aims to grown into a short-haul commuter and delivery network that also supports mobile advertising across Gauteng. Its branded Tuk Tuks aims to become a symbol of opportunity for those behind the wheel, adds the service.
Founded in 2013 and now owned by Soumobroto Ganguly, Shesha has a fleet of 53 eco-friendly Tuk Tuks operating across Johannesburg and Pretoria, says the service.
"Shesha started as a small idea, but it’s grown into something much bigger," says Ganguly. "We're proud of what we've achieved, and we're committed to continuing to create jobs and stimulate economic growth."
Purpose-Led Partnerships Change the Game
Behind every community-driven operation is a network of partners who believe in the mission. For Shesha Taxi Services, Cell C has been a cornerstone collaborator for more than nine years, says the service.
Through a long-standing partnership, Cell C has utilised Shesha's Tuk Tuks as moving brand platforms, aiming to boost its visibility while creating sustainable revenue streams that flow directly into the hands of driver entrepreneurs, adds the service.
"This is purpose in practice," says Ganguly. "A corporate brand choosing to invest in a township-born business that puts people first, is exactly the kind of partner that aligns with our impact mindset."
"Partnerships like the one we have with Cell C are one of the reasons we've been able to put millions into our drivers' pockets. Cell C is a purpose-driven organisation that understands the power of aligning with a community-focused businesses like ours, and we're proud to have them in our wheelhouse," says Ganguly.
Job Creation on Three Wheels
Drivers — men and women between the ages of 21 and 45 — are recruited by Shesha from local communities in South Africa, and have often struggled to find stable work. Shesha aims to provide training, support and fair working conditions building a workforce — and a family too — of dedicated, passionate service providers, says the service.
One of those family members is Harrison Mancanyi, a driver who has been with Shesha from the start. Harrison has used his Shesha earnings to put his children through school and launch a small business on the side. "Shesha Taxi Services changed my life," says Mancanyi. "I can provide for my family and give back to my community."
Since inception, Shesha set out to prioritise people with stories like Harrison's, and today, this is the heartbeat of Shesha Taxi Services, adds the service.
As Shesha continues its aim to expand, its partnerships remain a proof point that corporate-community alliances can change lives. And with the likes of media partners in the wings such as Nfinity Group, supporting promotional distribution, Shesha aims to further amplify its impact and visibility across digital and real-world touchpoints, says the service.
With people and local partnerships at the forefront of the brand's thinking, Shesha Taxi Services aim to become a conduit for change. The brand chooses to frequently partner with smaller community organisations too, aiming to actively uplift communities, stimulating job creation and championing a more inclusive economy, adds the service.
Such community initiatives are seen in Shesha's Senior Citizen initiatives, charity runs and food drives, often with drivers volunteering their own time, says the service.
"We've always believed that business should be a catalyst for good," says Ganguly. "It's amazing to see how our drivers provide for customers, as well as their loved ones, and to see their enthusiasm when given back to their communities."
Proof That Small Vehicles can Create big Change
This culture of compassion is anchored in Shesha's long-term vision: to be South Africa's leading transportation provider, recognised for its safety, service and community impact, says the service.
With demand for affordable, short-haul transport rising, Shesha is gearing up for a new era of growth. In 2026, Shesha will launch a new passenger app, aimed at making ride-booking seamless and transparent. Plans are already underway to expand operations into Cape Town and Durban, bringing its community-first model to more South Africans, adds the service.
For South Africa — a country rewriting its economic future through entrepreneurship — Shesha Taxi Services aims to stand as a testament to future-forward thinking — and a reminder that greatness can arrive on three wheels, together with smart leadership and solid partnerships in transit, concludes the service.
For more information, visit www.shesharide.co.za. You can also follow Shesha Taxi Service on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok.
*Image courtesy of contributor