Uber Eats is serving up more than just meals — it’s serving opportunity, culture, and community with the celebration of over 73 HDP-verified restaurants across South Africa. The Historically Disadvantaged People (HDP) badge, launched in 2024, helps South Africans discover and support local food businesses that reflect the flavour, history, and hustle of Mzansi.
From Soweto to Nelspruit, these HDP restaurants offer more than just great food — they are living stories of resilience, heritage, and entrepreneurship. Each HDP badge tells customers: this is a place that matters. It’s a small icon with a big mission — making it easier to find and support local businesses with a few taps in the Uber Eats app.
“Whether it’s the familiarity of street food or a fresh take on traditional favourites, every dish tells a story — of struggle, triumph, and flavour passed down through generations.”
Currently, the HDP badge proudly highlights:
- 43 restaurants in Johannesburg and Pretoria
- 21 in Cape Town
- 8 in Durban
- 1 in Nelspruit
These restaurants bring something uniquely South African to the table — dishes that feel like home, prepared by people who live and love their craft.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Take Dimakatso Hlongwane, founder of Mama Dee Fast Food in Danville, Pretoria. Starting with just R500 and a batch of amagwinya, she built a beloved eatery grounded in passion and consistency.
“My customers love and prefer amagwinya made by me. They can somehow tell if I didn’t make them.”
says Dimakatso
With the support of her community — and a presence on Uber Eats — Mama Dee’s menu expanded to include township favourites like sphatlo (kota). Uber Eats helped her reach a wider audience and keep growing.
“I always tell people, if you want your business to grow, register on Uber Eats.”
Meanwhile in Soweto, Siphiwe Nekhumbe turned a craving for better workday meals into Siphiwe’s Takeaways. Starting with cow heart and liver, he quickly scaled his offerings to include steak, wings, and ribs.
“My business revenue comes mostly from Uber Eats. People from as far as Roodepoort, Alexandra, and even Midrand order my food.”
says Siphiwe
HDP: More Than a Badge
For Uber Eats, the HDP badge isn’t just about recognition — it’s about reconnection. It links technology with tradition, modern convenience with cultural pride, and global platforms with local dreams.
“Uber Eats is deeply rooted in South Africa — not just as a business, but as a community partner,”.
says Cassie Jaganyi, Head of Communications at Uber South Africa
By empowering historically disadvantaged restaurant owners to grow their businesses and share their stories, Uber Eats is helping shape the future of South African food culture.
Anyone looking to support local can simply search “HDP” on the Uber Eats app. Whether you’re craving a trusted favourite or curious to try something new, each HDP restaurant offers a taste of South Africa’s rich culinary soul.
Mzansi, let’s eat — and uplift — together.
