The Uber Lost & Found Index has revealed just how much chaos, comedy and character South Africans pack into their daily commutes.
Uber South Africa’s annual Lost & Found Index has landed, and it is full of surprises. From pies and passports to prams and pink stethoscopes, the list is a strangely beautiful portrait of life in motion. If you have ever patted your pockets in panic mid-ride, you are not alone. South Africans are always on the move, but apparently our stuff cannot always keep up.
What South Africans forget most
Right at the top of the list are phones and cameras. No surprise there. Hot on their heels are keys, backpacks, wallets and glasses — the daily essentials we all swear were “just in my bag”. Add headphones, clothing, passports, vapes and reusable water bottles, and the picture becomes clear. If it fits in a handbag or sits on your lap, it has probably been forgotten.
Food is another major victim
South Africans do not just misplace tech. We also abandon food. Grocery bags, pies, tea, oats and birthday cake are all on the list. Somewhere out there, a lovingly packed lunch or leftover pudding is still cruising through traffic.
Beauty bags take a hit
Lip gloss, lipstick, hair straighteners and even wedding veils have all been left behind. It seems glam squads and brides-to-be are not immune to pre-event stress. If you have ever forgotten your entire look on the way to a big moment, you are in good company.
Sports, toys and instruments
Plenty of items never made it to their final destination, whether it is a violin, a yoga mat or a Barbie doll. South Africans are running from school runs to rehearsals and rugby practice — and sometimes the gear just does not keep up.
Only in Mzansi
Some forgotten items are so uniquely South African, they deserve their own category. A portable inverter. An air fryer. A graduation gown. One person even left their own number plate behind. There are no answers, just vibes.
“This list is more than just a collection of lost things. It is a snapshot of life in South Africa,” said Uber South Africa. “From forgotten leftovers to tech to tents, it shows how vibrant and fast-paced our lives really are.”
Lost something?
You can contact your driver directly through the app. Just go to:
- Account → Trips → Select the ride → Find Lost Item
- Tap ‘I need to contact my driver’
- Enter your number and tap ‘Call’
No phone? Borrow a friend’s or visit help.uber.com to report the item. Uber usually responds within 24 hours, so you still have a shot at recovering your lost pie or passport.