In an unexpected twist to the long-standing rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, a new form of digital mischief has emerged, involving ride-hailing services and causing significant disruptions for drivers and passengers in both nations.
The situation, which has unfolded on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has spotlighted the impact of international tensions on everyday workers.
The latest chapter in the rivalry began when South Africans initiated a prank targeting Nigerian Bolt drivers. Bolt, a popular ride-hailing service, has become the battleground for this unusual conflict. South Africans, using the app from their home country, have been booking rides in Nigerian cities like Lagos and Abuja, only to cancel them once the driver arrives at the pickup location.
The cancellations have left drivers stranded and financially affected, with some of them losing out on earnings and time.
A video making the rounds on social media shows a South African man mocking a Nigerian driver after canceling a ride. The footage, along with screenshots of numerous cancellations, has fueled the outrage and frustration among Nigerians, who view the act as a deliberate attempt to humiliate and cause financial harm to their drivers.
In retaliation, some Nigerians have decided to return the favor. They have begun booking rides in South Africa from Nigeria, only to cancel the orders as well. This escalating prank war has led to a surge in Bolt ride requests in Cape Town and Johannesburg, creating a shortage of available rides and inflating prices for South African users.
The prank war has highlighted not only the growing tensions between the two nations but also the broader issue of how personal and national grievances can manifest in the digital age.
Both sides are using the ride-hailing app to express their discontent, leading to practical consequences for ordinary people who rely on these services for their livelihoods.
For the drivers involved, the consequences of these pranks are significant. In Nigeria, where fuel prices are rising and inflation is high, drivers are feeling the pinch. The cancellations mean wasted time and potential income loss, as they spend time waiting for a ride that will never happen. This financial strain is exacerbated by the economic challenges currently facing Nigeria, including the rising cost of living and fuel.
Similarly, South African drivers are experiencing disruptions caused by the surge in ride requests from Nigerian users. The increased demand has led to longer wait times and higher costs for South African customers, who are now facing inflated ride prices due to the prank-induced surge.
The reaction on social media has been a mix of outrage, humor, and concern. Many Nigerians are expressing their frustration at the South African pranksters, calling the behavior petty and harmful.
One user, @AjeboDanny, tweeted, “South Africans keep telling Nigerians to leave their country and go back home, yet they decide to harass the Bolt drivers who are back home. South Africans don’t hate Nigerians because they’re in their country; they just hate that Nigerians are doing better than them.”
On the other hand, some South Africans view the pranks as a form of playful retaliation, though they acknowledge the negative impact on drivers. Social media user @Ezennia_CFA remarked, “I heard South Africans started it. Some South Africans pranked Nigerian Bolt drivers by booking rides & canceling them. Now, some Nigerians are responding by also pranking South African drivers & telling them to warm eba.”
This latest incident is part of a broader pattern of disputes between Nigeria and South Africa. In recent years, tensions have flared over various issues, including cultural disputes, economic competition, and incidents of xenophobia. The pranks have intensified existing grievances and provided a new outlet for expressing discontent.
The Chidimma Adetshina beauty pageant controversy earlier this year is one example of the growing tensions. Adetshina, a South African with Nigerian roots, was forced to withdraw from the Miss South Africa competition due to questions about her nationality, which sparked accusations of xenophobia and discrimination.
As the prank war continues, many are calling for a resolution and an end to the cycle of retaliation. Social media user @Manasseh_wizkid_first_son voiced a common sentiment: “This is so wrong. No matter what the South Africans did, we shouldn’t respond like this. Where’s the love for humanity? Where’s the respect?”
