Laat Loop is a new Cape flats app is making waves.
Image: Supplied
A Cape Flats e-hailing service known as Loop is scooping awards as it makes travel easy and convenient for residents via Whatsapp.
Loop was established in 2022 by Imtiyaaz Riley from Manenberg, who grew-up in a family that operated in the taxi industry for years, and co-founder, Jamie Wyngaard from Montana.
Loop has since scooped multiple awards including Social Enterprise of the Year at the National Presidential MSME and Cooperatives Awards in 2024.
The app has also been recognised as the Best Mobility and Logistics for Southern Africa and Best Mobility and Logistics Startup in Africa.
From Cape to Cairo, the 34-year-old Wyngaard accepted the prestigious Science, Technology and Innovation Award at the Africa Forty Under 40 Awards in Cairo, Egypt, last month.
“This is a testament that we are not defined by our environment. You would think that we are from the Cape Flats, we can’t make it, we just have problems but the more problems you have the more opportunities you have," Wyngaard said.
“We had a problem with the taxis, payments and how unsafe it was with people getting robbed and when there is a strike, there are no taxis and we turned it into a solution and we are not on a global stage because that solution is not just for us.”
Residents now have the convenience to book Loop via Whatsapp and make instant payments with no bank charges.
Trips can also be booked and cancelled from their phone via Whatsapp.
Co-founder Jamie Thurston wins award. The app has also been recognised as the Best Mobility and Logistics for Southern Africa and Best Mobility and Logistics Startup in Africa.
Image: Supplied
“When we spoke to commuters and taxi drivers, people don’t want another app on their phone.
"So we made sure that when using our payment system, drivers must get their money immediately and there must not be charges," said Wyngaard.
He said the big spin-off since establishing Loop is that people’s lives are being changed and people are getting an opportunity to earn an income and assist with financial education.
Loop is available along the Vangate Mall, Bellville to Mitchell's Plain and Manenberg to Cape Town route.
Wyngaard adds: “We are not on all the routes at the moment but we are onboarding more routes on a monthly basis. We only [use] taxis that meet our criteria which are clean and roadworthy to make sure our passengers are safe.”
To book a trip on Loop via Whatsapp, add 062 074 6728 to your mobile device.
Cape Argus