South Africans vs. Nigerians: Full Story Behind The Bolt-for-Bolt War

Citizens of Nigeria and South Africa have taken their rivalry to a new and disruptive level, using ride-hailing apps like Bolt and food delivery services as their battleground. What started as a prank has escalated into a broader conflict, showcasing how digital platforms can become tools for nationalistic disputes.

The feud began when South Africans, upset over a Nigerian contestant, Chidimma Adetshina, in the Miss South Africa pageant, started ordering and canceling Bolt rides within Nigeria. This caused drivers significant inconvenience and financial loss due to wasted fuel and time. What seemed like a harmless prank quickly escalated.

In retaliation, Nigerians mirrored the tactic, canceling Bolt rides in South Africa. They took it a step further by ordering meals and electronics from South African businesses with the “pay on delivery” option, leaving delivery personnel stranded with unpaid items.

Key outcomes of this digital conflict include:

• Economic Impact: Gig economy workers in both countries, particularly drivers and delivery personnel, suffer financial losses due to these pranks. The time wasted on fake orders could have been spent on genuine customers.
• Platform Response: Bolt has taken steps to block users engaging in these behaviors and has restricted inter-country ride requests. However, the broader impact on other delivery services remains to be seen.
• Public Sentiment: Social media has become a platform for this digital rivalry, with users from both countries rallying support. Reactions range from amusement to concern over the economic harm caused.
• Cultural Implications: This incident highlights a deeper issue of nationalistic pride and rivalry fueled by historical tensions and recent socio-political events. The use of technology for such pranks reflects a new form of protest or expression in the digital age.

Observers have noted the self-destructive nature of these actions, often referred to as “NGMI” (Not Gonna Make It), suggesting that such behavior may not lead to positive outcomes for either nation. While initially viewed as a light-hearted prank, this ongoing conflict underscores how easily digital platforms can be weaponized, affecting real livelihoods.