15.12.2021

Ghost riders: the invisible lives of Johannesburg food couriers – photo essay

These men are among an army of thousands of riders who spend up to 16 hours a day, usually seven days a week, frantically ferrying food around the city.

An army of riders ferry food around the South African city, their lives and travails largely unseen by the people they serve. 

With the support of  the FES South Africa, photojournalist, James Oatway spent several months accompanying them in their daily work. His powerful photos and their personal testimonies were published in the Guardian, documenting their challenges as well as their great solidarity. The photographic essay can be accessed here.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung 
South Africa Office

34 Bompas Road
Dunkeld West
Johannesburg

+27 11 341 0270
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