The landscape of advertising is constantly evolving. From billboards and posters to electronic displays on vehicles and large side-mounted signage on delivery trucks or trailers, advertising takes many shapes and forms.
With the innovation of MotionAds, advertising has now reached 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 not only increases brand visibility but also provides drivers with an additional income stream. This innovative, shared-value model has helped drivers collectively earn more than R20.3 million to date.
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 deeper mission behind the partnership between MotionAds and Openserve. It shows what’s possible when infrastructure meets opportunity, and that mission starts with Openserve.
A strategic alliance: Openserve partners with MotionAds
As a provider of telecommunications infrastructure that fuels innovation, Openserve helps South Africans thrive in a fast-moving digital world. Through its extensive open-access network, it enables internet service providers (ISPs) and businesses to deliver high-speed connectivity.
The brand is committed 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. MotionAds co-founder Jon Berkowitz notes that the company has experienced over 70% year-on-year growth for the past two years, thanks to 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 has showcased how innovative marketing strategies can be, as brand awareness is enhanced in more ways than one.
The rise of motorbike advertising mirrors the boom in online and on-demand shopping, which has flourished since the COVID-19 crisis. With more delivery bikes on the road and broader suburban coverage, ordering takeaways, groceries and other goods has become the norm. Many deliveries now arrive in under an hour.
In addition to flyers or product samples that drivers may distribute with deliveries, this model allows brands to engage customers personally and directly, expanding awareness and reach. Because of this reach, many drivers now deliver into underserved areas where fibre is only just becoming a reality. As Openserve’s prepaid fibre offering gains ground, riders like Nkululeko aren’t just dropping off meals. They’re helping build awareness of affordable, accessible internet where it matters most.
They are more than motorcyclists. They are creating change
Through MotionAds, Openserve is not only increasing brand visibility but also enabling drivers to earn additional income. The Openserve campaign has reached 150 drivers – meaning 150 lives have changed, and just as many families positively impacted. In doing so, the partnership supports micro-enterprises and everyday entrepreneurs, not just consumers.
MotionAds driver Nkululeko shares how his life has changed since joining the platform. The extra income helps cover his cellphone contract and petrol. Other drivers, like Faiza Goslan and Kudzai Chidori, proudly say they can now buy food for their families, pay for school fees, extra lessons or simply spoil their children with toys they couldn’t previously afford. This income stretches further than many expected, easing financial pressure and giving drivers more control over their everyday lives.
Drivers can even sign up for two non-conflicting campaigns, increasing their earning potential.
“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.”
Beyond the additional earnings, each driver receives training to promote safe driving and is equipped with high-visibility wrapping that enhances their safety at night. Company policy also requires them to send weekly video updates of their bikes to MotionAds. This way, drivers are not only supported but also protected while earning an income.
The power of collaboration
Each MotionAds driver is treated as 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 is proud of its partnership with MotionAds and how it aligns with its 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.
- Jonathan Berkowitz, Director at MotionAds
