MotionAds aims for innovative advertising, reaching the delivery boxes of motorbikes. Founded by Elan Band and Jon Berkowitz in 2019, the Sandton-based agency helps businesses activate motorbike marketing campaigns.

MotionAds gives delivery drivers the opportunity to display third-party brands on their cargo boxes, which increases brand visibility and provides drivers with an additional income stream. This shared-value model has helped drivers collectively earn R20.3-million.

One of those drivers is Nkululeko, who has turned his motorbike into a moving billboard. He earns extra income while helping spread Openserve's message of connectivity to communities across South Africa. His story reflects the mission behind the partnership between MotionAds and Openserve. It shows what's possible when infrastructure meets opportunity.

A Strategic Alliance

As a provider of telecommunications infrastructure, Openserve helps South Africans thrive in a fast-moving digital world. Through its open-access network, it enables internet service providers (ISPs) and businesses to deliver high-speed connectivity.

The brand is committing to bridging the digital divide through fibre-to-the-home deployments and digital infrastructure that drive economic transformation.

The partnership between Openserve and MotionAds positions drivers as more than just couriers. They are brand ambassadors and small business owners. Berkowitz notes that the company has experienced over 70% year-on-year growth for the past two years with support from brands like Openserve and others in telecommunications and retail that have adopted the platform.

This partnership has resulted in a total payout of R2-million to Openserve drivers. This equals a 10% contribution by Openserve to their total driver payout figure. With total hours of exposure equating to 1 229 588 hours and a total of 7 616 640 kilometres driven over the course of the 'Openserve Campaign' — this alliance showcases marketing strategies as brand awareness is enhanced.

The rise of motorbike advertising mirrors the increase in online and on-demand shopping. With more delivery bikes on the road and broader suburban coverage, ordering takeaways, groceries and other goods has become normal. Many deliveries now arrive in under an hour.

This model allows brands to engage customers personally and directly, expanding awareness and reach. Many drivers now deliver into underserved areas. As Openserve's prepaid fibre offering gains ground, riders are helping build awareness of affordable, accessible internet.

Motorcyclists are Creating Change

Through MotionAds, Openserve is increasing brand visibility and enabling drivers to earn additional income. The campaign reaches 150 drivers. In doing so, the partnership supports micro-enterprises and entrepreneurs.

MotionAds driver Nkululeko says that the extra income helps cover his cellphone contract and petrol. Other drivers, like Faiza Goslan and Kudzai Chidori say that they can now buy food for their families, pay for school fees, extra lessons or buy their children toys. This income eases financial pressure and gives drivers more control over their lives.

"I've always wanted to start a fleet of bikes," says Chidori. "So, the extra income I've been receiving from MotionAds, I've been saving it so I can keep on buying bikes and put them on the road."

Each driver also receives training to promote safe driving and is equipped with high-visibility wrapping that enhances their safety at night. Company policy requires them to send weekly video updates of their bikes to MotionAds. Drivers receive support and protection while earning an income.

The Power of Collaboration

Each MotionAds driver is an equal. The programme encourages connection and community across backgrounds and regions, reinforcing the idea that personal agency can drive collective upliftment and create jobs. Openserve and MotionAds align with the broader mission to provide fibre internet and tailored connectivity solutions.

Through this collaboration, every time a driver hits the road, Openserve follows, bringing connectivity closer to the communities that need it most and helping close the digital divide for all.

For more information, visit www.motionads.co.za. You can also follow MotionAds on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor