In a mobility market long dominated by global giants and informal operators, Road Runnerz is emerging as a confident, homegrown disruptor designed in Zimbabwe, for Zimbabweans. Built by former drivers with international experience and a deep understanding of local realities, the platform is redefining ride-hailing through affordability, fairness, and people-first innovation.
NewsDay Life & Style (ND) sits down with Mandlenkosi Utete (MU) of Road Runnerz and a few drivers to explore the vision behind the brand, its distinctly Zimbabwean DNA, and how it is reshaping urban and rural transport by empowering both drivers and everyday commuters.
ND: Road Runnerz is being described as a bold, homegrown disruptor in urban mobility. Can you take us back to the moment the idea was born, and what personal or market gap inspired you to build this platform?
MC: Road Runnerz was created by former drivers with vast experience in different countries and logistics companies. They witnessed first-hand the challenges and frustrations faced by both drivers and users, especially in Africa. This became the motivation to create Road Runnerz.
ND: Road Runnerz positions itself as more than just a ride-hailing service. How would you define the brand’s core purpose and values in one sentence, especially in the Zimbabwean context?
MC: In one sentence: Road Runnerz is affordable, safe, and trustworthy — we get you there.
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ND: Many global mobility platforms operate in Africa. What makes Road Runnerz distinctly Zimbabwean, not just in ownership, but in design, pricing, and everyday user experience?
MC: Road Runnerz is all about the experience, whether you are a driver or a user. The app focuses on empowering those who use it — creating employment opportunities for drivers while being gentle on the pockets of our users.
ND: The app allows fare negotiation, rewards, in-app wallets, and scheduled rides. Why was consumer control such a central pillar of the platform, and how has the market responded so far?
MC: In any business, consumers are essential. They determine whether you generate income or not. We could not focus on drivers alone; we had to design a product that resonates with our people. The public response has been thrilling and exciting — this is a product they have been waiting for, quality and proudly Made in Zimbabwe.
Road Runnerz is compliant with all the laws of Zimbabwe. We do not cut corners. We put our best foot forward in every interaction, whether in the office or out in the field. Through ongoing engagement with drivers and users, we take their feedback seriously and value their opinions about our product.
ND: What are the biggest operational or regulatory challenges facing urban mobility platforms in Zimbabwe today, and how is Road Runnerz navigating or transforming those obstacles?
MU: The biggest challenge is foreign competitors with large budgets who, unfortunately, take advantage of our people — especially drivers. This indirectly forces many drivers to work longer hours for limited pay. At Road Runnerz, we seek to empower rather than exploit. Our platform allows drivers to earn more from a day’s work, while users get more value and distance for their money.
We never forget the people who motivated the start of this platform. By staying in touch with both drivers and users, we continuously listen to their ideas and views, while addressing software issues efficiently and on time.
ND: Looking ahead five to ten years, what does success look like for Road Runnerz — not just as a business, but as a contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, employment, and everyday quality of life?
MU: Success means becoming the ride-hailing app of choice within Zimbabwe and empowering thousands of people through the platform and its future features and services. Above all, we aim to be a reputable and recognisable ride-hailing brand across Southern Africa. Our success will be the success of our people.