By Patience Makwele

As the rise of e-hailing services in Namibia continues to increase, Namibian women have taken the initiative of being part of the system to raise enough money to sustain their needs. While many of these women become drivers for the sake of having an extra of income, one woman has turned the initiative into passion.
Vivian Manetti, a mother of three and grandmother of seven's road to empowerment began at a time when she was unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. “Two years ago, I had no income and I decided to register as a Yango and Indrive driver,” she recalled. “At that time, I was one of the first few lady drivers for Yango and Indrive. For me it was not just an income but a service I delivered towards my fellow Namibians."
With time her dedication quickly set her apart. Clients, particularly women and families began to request her services directly because they were drawn to the sense of safety and trust she offered. Some even called her to pick up their children from school. Soon, Manetti was driving from 5 a.m. until late in the evening, six days a week, serving a growing base of loyal customers.
Being the people’s driver stirred a lot of passion each day and with time her ambitions stretched beyond being a driver. As things began unfolding positively for her, she vividly recalled how she one day came across an advert for Go Girl Transfers on FaceBook, a women-led ride-hailing platform, she immediately saw an opportunity to be part of something bigger. “One day I went on Facebook and I saw this ad from Go GirlsTransfers and I made contact, I actually applied as a driver because on the ad it clearly stated all the necessary information one needed in order to apply.”
After making contact, she was invited to join the business not only as a driver but as a partner, taking on responsibilities in operations and marketing. “I told my children months before that this is something I wanted—my own company for ladies,” she said proudly. “Today I am living that dream.”
While ride-hailing remains a sector largely dominated by men, Manetti continues to prove that women can thrive. “Yes, sometimes you get surprised looks from men when they realise you are a female driver, especially as an older woman,” she said. Adding, “The appreciation from passengers has been overwhelming. There’s actually nothing in this industry that a woman can’t do. In fact, many people prefer female drivers because they feel more comfortable and secure.”
Go Girl Transfers, which was officially launched in June 2025, aims to build a sense of safety into its very structure. The app is equipped with emergency buttons that connect drivers directly to the police and next of kin. Passengers can also share their trip details with loved ones. These features, Manetti says, make the service especially appealing for mothers, pensioners and young women travelling alone.
“Being in this industry is not just about financial gain—it’s about responsibility,” she explained. “When someone gets into your car, you are responsible for their safety. That is the heart of Go Girl Transfers. Women understand this because we are mothers, we are grandmothers, we are caretakers. It’s in our nature to ensure the people with us are safe.”
Like any driver, Manetti has faced her share of challenges. Late-night trips can be risky, and she has had to deal with difficult passengers, including intoxicated customers. “I once had a man who fell asleep in my car after drinking too much,” she recalled. “Luckily, people at his destination recognised him and came to help. But as women, we have the choice to say no if we don’t feel safe. That is the most important thing—knowing your limits and protecting yourself.”
Her resilience and calm approach have helped her overcome such moments. She believes challenges only make women stronger in the industry. “We can do this, and we are doing it,” she said firmly.
Beyond providing transport, Go Girl Transfers is about empowerment. The company is currently operational in Windhoek and Swakopmund, however Manetti says the demand for female drivers is higher than the supply. “We have more clients than we have drivers. We need more women to join us,” she said.
For Manetti, the road is not just about steering a car. It is about steering change, one ride at a time—empowering women to claim their space in an industry once closed to them, and reminding passengers that safety and service can be driven by compassion. She encourages other women to be simple but powerful: “Never give up on your dream. I once told my children I wanted a company like this, and today I’m living the reality. Don’t wait for an opportunity, create it. There’s no limit to what we as women can accomplish. Just go ahead and seize every opportunity out there and make it your moment!”