For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), logistics is often the make-or-break factor. Many entrepreneurs struggle to get their goods to market quickly, reliably and at an affordable rate. Without access to professional distribution networks, their growth stalls.
This is why a new grassroots segment of South Africa’s trucking sector is emerging – one powered by digital platforms that connect smaller operators with customers. Among them, BakkieHi is positioning itself as a homegrown solution that leverages technology, partnerships and trust to build the foundation for inclusive logistics.
Building a tech-driven grassroots segment
Founded by Skhibela Mohlala, BakkieHi aims to give SMEs, households and growing businesses a seamless way to access vetted transport providers, ranging from small bakkies to 8-ton trucks. Backed by Gauteng’s Innovation Hub, the platform already has 151 vehicles signed up from a pool of more than 1 000 applicants.
These drivers and operators now form the backbone of a fast-growing network handling at least 10 confirmed deliveries daily, from local trips in Johannesburg to long-distance hauls linking Gauteng with the Western Cape.
Strategic partnerships give the platform added clout. DHL Express powers international shipping, DSV Courier handles local road deliveries and Pace Car Rentals provides vehicles to keep the fleet agile. Together, these collaborations allow BakkieHi to offer a service mix that would be out of reach for many small operators acting alone.
AI innovation driving transparency
A standout feature is the AI-powered service request tool. Customers simply upload an image of their cargo, receive instant vehicle recommendations and get a fair, AI-generated quote. This system reduces haggling, cuts inefficiencies and makes logistics transparent. For drivers, it provides steady, pre-qualified work. For customers, it delivers certainty and affordability.
“Logistics is no longer just about moving goods from point A to point B – it is about creating an ecosystem that is data-driven, sustainable and customer-centric,” says Mohlala. “At BakkieHi, we believe in building that future today, starting with Gauteng and soon rolling out nationally.”
Strengthening the base of South Africa’s logistics pyramid
The BakkieHi model goes beyond tech – it signals the rise of a grassroots logistics economy where SMEs, township entrepreneurs and owner-drivers can plug into a national system.
With its strong supply base, partnerships and innovative platform, BakkieHi is proving that the road ahead for logistics in South Africa will not only be driven by large corporates but also by agile, tech-enabled SMEs building sustainable livelihoods from the ground up.
Editor’s comment: FleetWatch has long argued that the health of South Africa’s logistics sector depends on strengthening its base. The country’s future trucking economy cannot rely solely on large fleets – it must empower SMEs and smaller operators with the tools, trust and transparency to compete.
Platforms like BakkieHi are a positive step in that direction, knitting together technology, partnerships and entrepreneurial grit to build an inclusive logistics ecosystem. The challenge now is to ensure that the policy environment, infrastructure investment and financial support systems are in place to help this grassroots segment thrive.
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