From Lip Gloss to Luggage: Uber’s Lost & Found Index Reveals the Quirky, Hilarious Things South Africans Leave Behind
In a country as vibrant and fast-paced as South Africa, it’s no surprise that people sometimes forget a few things—okay, a lot of things—on the backseat of their Uber rides. Whether it’s a box of groceries or a full graduation gown, the 2025 Uber South Africa Lost & Found Index delivers a hilarious (and oddly heartwarming) snapshot of what happens when everyday life meets a moving vehicle.
From lip gloss to luggage, the Index reveals how a little chaos, a dash of hustle, and a whole lot of local flavour combine to create some unforgettable “oops” moments on the go.
SA’s Most Forgotten Items
Phones and cameras top the list, reminding us that even our most valuable possessions aren’t immune to forgetfulness. But it doesn’t stop there. South Africans also said an unintentional goodbye to:
- Keys – Perfect for dramatic gate-side monologues.
- Backpacks & Bags – Because sometimes your whole life really is in that bag.
- Wallets & Purses – A nightmare before payday.
- Glasses – Ironic? Yes. Predictable? Also yes.
- Headphones – That Amapiano playlist didn’t vibe all the way home.
- Clothing – Scarves, jackets, and that hoodie you never gave back.
- Passports – Proof that even the most seasoned travellers fumble.
- Vapes – Lost with a puff and a prayer.
- Water bottles – Saving the planet is hard when your bottle goes MIA.
The Most Left-Behind Leftovers
Food-related forgetfulness is a real thing. South Africans have left behind everything from gourmet groceries to gran’s lovingly packed leftovers:
- Groceries – Dinner plans derailed.
- Pie – Not just any pie—the one from that bakery.
- Tea – The heartbreak of a forgotten rooibos.
- Cake – Candles were blown, but the cake stayed behind.
- Oats – The healthy start that never started.
When the Drip Doesn’t Make the Trip
Our commitment to style is unmatched—our memory, not so much:
- Lip Gloss & Balm – Moisturised lips are a must… until they’re missed.
- Hair Straighteners – Your sleek look may not have made it past your Uber ride.
- Wedding Accessories – Veils, bouquets, and heels left behind during peak pre-wedding panic.
Toys, Tunes & Team Spirit
From budding musicians to future sports stars, a lot of passion projects almost didn’t make it:
- Musical Instruments – Lost guitars and violins mean someone’s concert was missing a chord.
- Sports Gear – From golf clubs to yoga mats, next time it’s your gear that needs a pep talk.
- Toys – When Barbie doesn’t make it home, the meltdown is very real.
Uniquely South African Moments
These lost items could only come from Mzansi:
- Portable Inverter – Even loadshedding doesn’t forget.
- Air Fryer – Because convenience should travel.
- Pink Stethoscope – Paging Dr. Forgetful…
- Blinds – Don’t ask. We don’t know either.
- Tent – Camp cancelled.
- Baby’s Pram – Here’s hoping the baby wasn’t still in it.
- Graduation Gown – Cap: present. Gown: ghosted.
- Number Plate – Honestly? Iconic.
What These Items Say About South Africans
At the heart of the Lost & Found Index lies a deeper truth: South Africans are dreamers, doers, creators, and celebrators. We’re always on the move, chasing the next big thing, sometimes so fast that our belongings can’t quite keep up.
Luckily, Uber’s got our backs.
Lost Something in an Uber? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve ever felt your heart drop after realising something important is missing, don’t panic. Uber makes it easy to reunite with your forgotten belongings:
- Open the Uber app
- Tap ‘Account’
- Tap ‘Trips’
- Select the ride where the item was lost
- Tap ‘Find Lost Item’
- Tap ‘I need to contact my driver’
- Enter your phone number
- Tap ‘Call’
If you can’t reach your driver, you can log your item through the app or visit help.uber.com. If you’ve left your phone in the car, borrow a friend’s app to get started.
Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a workout, or just home after a long day—remember: check the backseat before you go. But if you don’t, Uber is there to help you bounce back, one misplaced pie or pink stethoscope at a time.
