Entrepreneurship is something that is close to my heart. Having been fortunate enough to meet a few great entrepreneurs, I believe that entrepreneurship is what will solve some of the biggest challenges we face today.

Startups in technology is a badge which some wear like a designers item, as being part of a club and others do the things in the background. Those in the second group are the ones to keep an eye on. For the record, startups as done by people like Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX) inspire me. They solve real problems through technology and innovation.

I recently got introduced to a startup which I believe will be a success for all involved. In South Africa two things drive the economy, a cellphone and being able to drive. Cars and driving is a crucial job for many, as they take the working class to their places of employment, move around supplies for small businesses etc. I take public transport daily and nothing can cripple Cape Town like a train and taxi strike. If public transport does not work, one needs a drivers license to drive a vehicle. Getting a drivers license is a roadblock due to a backlog at some testing stations.

In proposed amendments to the National Road Traffic Act getting your drivers license, which already is a stressful and time consuming process, will take up to 12 months longer. New technology developed by iDRIVE.co.za now simplifies the process, enabling you to pass your license before the laws change. After years of research and testing the new system is designed to provide learner drivers with all the training, resources and qualified driving instructors required to become a licensed driver.

“I am amazed by the 1000’s of learner drivers using the service every week,” says Rafiq Phillips, founder of iDRIVE.co.za. “Learner drivers are sending hundreds of SMS and email messages directly to the driving schools. Knowing that we only connect them with qualified driving instructors ensures that the education and training they receive will increase the chances of them passing the first time, alleviating the backlog at testing stations.

According to Phillips it doesn’t end there though. “The system has been designed to scale and cater for any driving instructor anywhere in South Africa. I believe that road safety will be positively impacted by all that use our new and improved system – making the road safer for all South Africans. No matter when or how the legislation changes we’ll always strive to assist learners in passing their drivers licenses with the right help they can be sure of.”

I can honestly say, the mere fact that only qualified driving schools can be found on iDRIVE.co.za leads to a value chain created for both student and instructors. Finding good educators is a challenge, having them all on one platform is a mark of a software product that is very valuable for both the users and founders of the business.

According to World Wide Worx’s study about Internet Access in SA 2012, “6,02-million people have access to the internet on computer, laptop and tablet.” This is the audience iDRIVE.co.za has been designed for.

Thanks to award-winning technological and entrepreneurial innovation iDRIVE.co.za has helped countless driving instructors to grow their businesses while providing help to thousands of driver’s on South Africa’s roads today.

Startups like iDRIVE.co.za is what makes me excited over where technology is headed in Cape Town. The ecosystem is growing and are slowly going into industries that will solve social issues through technologies.