A South African content creator, known as Grand Dilan, has made a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians, urging them to stop a prank that has spiraled out of control and is causing significant harm to businesses in South Africa. In a viral video circulated on social media, Dilan is seen on his knees, visibly distressed, as he pleads for an end to the ongoing Bolt ride prank that has escalated tensions between the two countries.
The prank, which initially began as a form of online rivalry between some South Africans and Nigerians, involves individuals from each country ordering Bolt rides in the other’s major cities, only to cancel the rides upon the arrival of the drivers. What started as a seemingly harmless joke has now resulted in serious consequences, particularly for small business owners relying on the ride-hailing service.
In the video, Dilan explains that the situation has gone beyond mere playful banter and has now caused considerable damage to numerous businesses. “Nigerians, I’m on my knees. I’m begging you people to stop this,” he implored. “You guys have skyrocketed to another level. You have damaged a lot of businesses back in South Africa. So many businesses have closed apps. This is getting out of hand. You are destroying people’s businesses. You have destroyed millions.”
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The rivalry that led to the prank reportedly began when some South Africans started ordering Bolt rides in Lagos, Nigeria, from South Africa, only to cancel them once the drivers arrived at the pick-up locations. In retaliation, some Nigerians responded by doing the same in Johannesburg and Cape Town, leading to a tit-for-tat escalation that has now resulted in widespread disruption.
Dilan’s plea highlights the unintended consequences of the prank, which has caused significant financial losses and forced some businesses to shut down their operations. His message serves as a sobering reminder of the real-world impact that online actions can have, especially in an interconnected digital economy.
As the video continues to circulate, it remains to be seen whether the message will resonate with those participating in the prank. However, Dilan’s heartfelt appeal underscores the importance of considering the broader effects of such actions and the need for mutual respect and understanding between communities.
