DailySun
Johannesburg – MotionAds has announced that it has generated over R20 million in extra advertising revenue for independent delivery drivers over the past six years.
This milestone, paired with a nearly tripled campaign growth since 2022, cements MotionAds’ position as one of the country’s most rapidly expanding media companies.
What began in 2019 with a mere three branded bikes has evolved into a nationwide fleet of over 2,000 branded motorcycles.
This approach not only provides tangible brand impact but also enhances the earnings of delivery drivers – known as “Motion Mavericks” – supplementing their regular delivery income.
“From the outset, we believed that MotionAds could flourish only if it benefited both our brand partners and our riders,” stated Jon Berkowitz, co-founder of MotionAds, on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
“Reaching R20 million in additional driver income proves that advertising investment can stimulate economic growth while offering ROI for brands.”
A Double Bottom Line: ROI + Social Impact
“Drivers are not just numbers; they are individuals whom we know by name. Our success is closely linked with theirs,” remarked Berkowitz.
MotionAds adheres to a “double bottom line” principle: each campaign must achieve commercial success while also delivering tangible benefits for drivers.
To maintain this balance, the company conducts monthly regional inspections that encompass quality control and community engagement.
Riders receive brand training and vehicle inspections, provide feedback, and foster connections with each other.
Brands are frequently invited to these events, further strengthening the bonds between advertisers and the individuals powering the campaigns.
For drivers, the extra income generated by MotionAds acts as a buffer, assisting them in managing essential expenses during slower delivery periods.
One rider shared, “The six months I’ve spent with MotionAds have changed my life.”
“They cover my cellphone bill and fuel costs, making everything more manageable.”
Others utilize the additional earnings to support their children’s education or cover household expenses.
“The extra income enables me to afford additional lessons for my children, and I can even buy them toys,” said the rider.
During a recent Women’s Day discussion in Gauteng, female riders expressed how their earnings from MotionAds allowed them to provide nutritious meals, school uniforms, and stability for their families.
One rider remarked, “I no longer struggle to provide food for my kids’ schooling.”
From Bootstrapped Start-Up to Industry Leader
Unlike many startups, MotionAds achieved success through bootstrapping.
Co-founders Jon Berkowitz and Elan Band personally wrapped the initial bikes, onboarded riders, and pitched to clients face-to-face.
Without outside investment, every rand of early revenue was reinvested into technology, innovation, and fleet growth.
The significant breakthrough came with Pick n Pay’s Bottles (now PnP ASAP!), where MotionAds was pivotal in establishing visibility for their on-demand delivery service in local neighborhoods.
Shortly thereafter, a strategic alliance with Uber Eats enabled MotionAds to partner with top-tier couriers nationwide, swiftly building credibility with leading brands.
Since then, campaigns with Vodacom, PepsiCo, Hollard, Heineken, and Nedbank have highlighted the model’s effectiveness in enhancing reach, credibility, and consumer engagement while providing additional flexible income for countless gig-economy drivers.
A notable campaign recorded by MotionAds showcased 7.6 million branded kilometers, 1.2 million hours of road exposure, and nearly 900,000 promotional flyers delivered to Uber Eats customers for fibre provider Openserve.
This single campaign alone brought in over R2 million in additional income for drivers.
Looking Ahead: Scaling to R100 Million in Driver Earnings
In the next five years, MotionAds aims to:
- Increase additional driver earnings fivefold, targeting R100 million by 2028.
- Expand into smaller towns beyond South Africa’s seven largest cities, offering brands hyper-local reach.
- Create new income opportunities for riders, including affiliate sales, experiential activations, and ambassador roles.
- Continue innovating in transit media, enhancing how brands connect with consumers in hard-to-reach locations.
Advice for Other Founders
Reflecting on their journey, the founders urge aspiring entrepreneurs to demonstrate value before scaling, invest in systems that enable growth, and fiercely protect company culture alongside financial objectives.
“Cultivate your reputation with the same diligence as your product,” advised Band.
“In industries where trust is critical, the ability to deliver consistently is your most powerful growth engine.”
