Road Runnerz brings tech‑driven mobility to Zimbabwe’s cities

Mandlenkosi Utete

By Staff Reporter

Road Runnerz, a homegrown transport platform, is rapidly reshaping urban mobility in Zimbabwe by combining local insight with modern app‑based convenience. Launched by a group of disruptive entrepreneurs, the service marketed under the user‑friendly name Mhanya ne Road Runnerz aims to deliver safer, fairer, and more transparent rides for both urban and rural commuters.

The platform operates through downloadable user and driver apps available on the App Store and Google Play, and can be accessed via QR code. Riders gain direct control over their journeys: they can negotiate fares, schedule trips in advance, book rides for others, and use an in‑app wallet to transfer funds and earn rewards. Drivers benefit from streamlined trip allocation, clearer fare structures and tools designed to improve earnings predictability.

Road Runnerz positions itself against competitors by emphasising efficiency, integrity, and shared value. The company’s model stresses accountability trip records, fare negotiations, and wallet transactions are all recorded within the ecosystem so disputes are easier to resolv,e and pricing is more transparent. The platform also promotes safety features such as driver verification, trip tracking, and in‑app reporting, which the founders say are essential to building commuter confidence.

A core part of the brand’s pitch is local relevance. Road Runnerz claims its product was designed with Zimbabwean commuting realities in mind: variable road conditions, informal transport hubs, and the need for flexible payment options. The app’s wallet and rewards system are intended to reduce cash handling and to give both riders and drivers incentives to remain within the platform. For rural users, the company highlights scheduling and booking features that allow trips to be planned around market days and community events.

Mandlenkosi Utete, speaking for the founders, framed Road Runnerz as a social as well as a commercial venture. “Road Runnerz is more than a ride; it is a promise to move Zimbabwe forward, one safe, fair, and dignified journey at a time,” he said, underscoring the company’s ambition to combine profitability with community impact.

Early adopters report improved reliability and clearer pricing, while some drivers praise the platform’s transparency and payment features. Observers note that success will depend on scaling driver supply, maintaining service quality, and navigating regulatory frameworks that govern urban transport. Partnerships with local authorities and community groups could help the company expand while addressing concerns such as congestion and passenger safety.

As Road Runnerz accelerates its rollout, it represents a broader trend: African tech startups building solutions tailored to local markets rather than importing models wholesale. If the platform sustains service quality and expands responsibly, it could become a notable example of Zimbabwean innovation that balances commercial growth with social value.