Portia Keleketu is building digital tools to modernize transport in South Africa. She leads Shesha, a ride-hailing app that connects drivers and passengers through a secure, cashless platform.

Keleketu, a South African entrepreneur, launched Shesha in 2024 to offer a local alternative to global ride-sharing giants. As founder and CEO, she designed the app to fit the needs of South African users. “We created Shesha for our market—something safe, easy, and reliable,” she said.

Shesha uses an integrated e-wallet to eliminate cash payments and reduce risk for drivers and passengers. The platform enforces strict safety protocols, including OTP code verification and facial recognition for all users.

The app allows passengers to input the number of travelers and luggage details before booking. It also features an emergency trip option, available to regular users.

Before Shesha, Keleketu founded NetMzansi in 2018 and ran it until January 2025. The company aimed to digitize and improve the minibus taxi industry. 

Keleketu began her career in 2008 as a helpdesk technician at Bytes Technologies. She became a project manager there in 2010. In 2014, she joined Anglo Platinum as an information systems analyst. Between 2016 and 2018, she worked as an events manager at 1000 Amazing Events.

She holds a postgraduate degree in project management from Cranefield College, earned in 2014.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum