MotionAds Achieves R20M in Additional Earnings for Independent Riders

Johannesburg – MotionAds reports that it has generated over R20 million in additional advertising revenue for independent delivery drivers within the last six years.

This achievement, coinciding with nearly a tripling of campaign growth since 2022, solidifies MotionAds’ status as one of the country’s fastest-growing media firms.

What started in 2019 with just three branded bikes has transformed into a nationwide fleet of more than 2,000 branded motorcycles.

This model not only delivers measurable brand impact but also directly boosts the earnings of delivery drivers – referred to as “Motion Mavericks” – supplementing their regular delivery income.

“From day one, we believed that MotionAds could only thrive if it benefited both our brand clients and our riders,” said Jon Berkowitz, co-founder of MotionAds, on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.

“Achieving R20 million in additional driver income demonstrates that advertising investment can drive economic enhancement while also providing ROI for brands.”

A Double Bottom Line: ROI + Social Impact

“Drivers aren’t just statistics; they are individuals we recognize by name. Our success is intertwined with theirs,” stated Berkowitz.

MotionAds operates on a “double bottom line” philosophy: each campaign must yield commercial success while also creating real benefits for drivers.

To ensure this equilibrium, the company conducts monthly regional inspections where quality control and community building intersect.

Riders undergo brand training and vehicle checks, provide feedback, and connect with one another.

Brands are often invited to these gatherings, further enhancing the relationship between advertisers and the individuals powering the campaigns.

For drivers, the additional income from MotionAds serves as a cushion, helping them manage essential costs during slower delivery periods.

One rider shared, “The six months I’ve spent with MotionAds have transformed my life.”

“They cover my cellphone bill and fuel costs, making everything more manageable.”

Others use the extra earnings to fund their children’s education or manage household expenses.

“The supplementary income allows me to afford extra lessons for my kids, and I can even buy them toys,” said the rider.

During a recent Women’s Day discussion in Gauteng, female riders expressed how the earnings from MotionAds enabled them to provide healthy meals, school uniforms, and stability for their families.

One rider mentioned, “I no longer struggle to provide food for my kids’ schooling.”

From Bootstrapped Start-Up to Industry Leader

Unlike many startups, MotionAds grew through bootstrapping.

Co-founders Jon Berkowitz and Elan Band personally wrapped the initial bikes, onboarded riders, and pitched to clients face-to-face.

Without external investment, every rand of early revenue was reinvested into technology, innovation, and fleet expansion.

The big break came with Pick n Pay’s Bottles (now PnP ASAP!), where MotionAds played a crucial role in establishing visibility for their on-demand delivery service in local areas.

Shortly after, a strategic partnership with Uber Eats allowed MotionAds to align with top-rated couriers nationwide, quickly building credibility with leading brands.

Since then, campaigns with Vodacom, PepsiCo, Hollard, Heineken, and Nedbank have showcased the model’s effectiveness in driving reach, credibility, and consumer engagement while providing additional flexible earnings for thousands of gig-economy drivers.

A standout campaign saw MotionAds logging 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 generated over R2 million in supplementary income for drivers.

Looking Ahead: Scaling to R100 Million in Driver Earnings

In the next five years, MotionAds aims to:

• Increase supplementary driver earnings fivefold, aiming for R100 million by 2028.
• Expand into smaller towns beyond South Africa’s seven largest cities, providing brands with hyper-local reach.
• Create new income streams 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 areas.

Advice for Other Founders

Reflecting on their experience, the founders encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to demonstrate value before scaling, invest in systems that facilitate growth, and protect company culture fiercely alongside financial objectives.

“Cultivate your reputation with the same care as your product,” advised Band.

“In industries where trust is paramount, the capability to deliver consistently is your most effective growth engine.”