[The Guardian] Ghost riders: the invisible lives of Johannesburg food couriers – photo essay

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

An army of riders ferry food around the South African city, their lives and travails largely unseen by the people they serve. Photojournalist James Oatway has spent several months documenting their challenges

It’s a Friday night in Johannesburg. Lockdown has just been eased as Covid infection rates have plateaued. The restive city is slowly springing back to life, with cars once again careering along the city’s recently empty arterial roads.

At the scene of a crash, the blue and red lights of emergency vehicles bathe the street in an eerie glow. Two motorbike food couriers have been knocked down by a car. The driver tried to flee but was apprehended by another motorist. One of the bikes has been flattened. Next to it lies a black canvas carrier bag bearing the Uber Eats logo.

A Congolese driver was seriously injured in a crash in Sandton. Footage showed a car going through a red light and hitting the rider. The vehicle did not stop and the driver has never been apprehended.

Continue reading...
Source: Ghost riders: the invisible lives of Johannesburg food couriers – photo essay

Feeds culled from https://www.theguardian.com/uk/rss