Checkers Sixty60, the flagship on-demand grocery delivery arm of retail powerhouse Shoprite, has managed to expand its contingent of South African drivers in recent months, yet these local riders are departing at almost double the pace of their foreign counterparts, according to News24. This disparity highlights ongoing challenges in retaining domestic talent for the motorbike-based service, which relies heavily on a workforce predominantly composed of migrant workers to maintain its rapid 60-minute delivery promise.
The platform’s logistics partner, Pingo—fully acquired by Shoprite following regulatory approval—now counts over 7,000 independent drivers, but fewer than a quarter are South African nationals. Efforts to recruit more locals have yielded some progress, with increased participation in training programmes, but high dropout rates persist, exacerbated by a limited motorcycle culture in the country that makes the role less appealing to many South Africans.
Foreign riders, often hailing from neighbouring countries or further afield, demonstrate greater staying power, benefiting from established support networks and a higher tolerance for the gig’s demands, including long hours on the road and exposure to South Africa’s hazardous traffic conditions. Average earnings hover around R7,600 per month before deductions for fuel, bike rentals, and maintenance, which can slash net income to as low as R2,800, further deterring locals who have alternative options in a market with elevated unemployment but strong social grant systems.
Shoprite has defended its practices, asserting that all drivers, regardless of origin, possess valid documentation, South African bank accounts, and clean criminal records, while earning well above the national minimum wage and accessing perks such as insurance and funeral cover. The group insists it is actively working to bolster local recruitment through enhanced training and incentives, as reported by The Citizen.
Political scrutiny has intensified, with figures like ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba decrying the predominance of foreign nationals in these roles as an affront amid youth joblessness exceeding 60 per cent in some demographics. Calls for labour inspections and penalties on employers favouring migrants have grown louder, prompting assurances from Shoprite that it prioritises compliance and fairness.
Safety remains a pressing concern, with delivery riders involved in numerous accidents, some fatal, due to the pressure of tight timelines and reckless behaviours observed on roads. As Sixty60 continues to dominate the online grocery space—with sales surging nearly 50 per cent in recent periods—the retailer is exploring improvements to working conditions and contractor classifications to stem local exodus and sustain growth.
This retention imbalance underscores broader tensions in South Africa’s gig economy, where flexible low-skilled jobs attract migrants willing to endure hardships that locals increasingly shun. With competitors like Woolies Dash and Mr D also vying for market share, Shoprite’s ability to balance workforce diversity, safety, and appeal to South Africans will be crucial for long-term dominance in a sector projected to expand rapidly into 2026, as noted in BusinessTech.