Checkers Sixty60 Faces Service Disruptions In KZN Amid Driver Protests

Checkers Sixty60 users in KwaZulu-Natal have experienced service disruptions this week, with many reporting error messages on the app.

Some received notices warning that intermittent service issues could affect deliveries, while others were told that 60-minute slots were fully booked and would reopen the next morning.

On Thursday, Shoprite Group confirmed the disruptions in an email to customers, saying: “In the past few days, there have been disruptions in our KwaZulu-Natal region that have affected our ability to offer the Sixty60 service. We’re sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

The company urged customers to monitor the app for updates on delivery availability.

Former Drivers Accused of Attempting to Disrupt Services

Checkers revealed that the disruptions stem from protests by a small group of former drivers. According to the retailer, the individuals were dismissed for not meeting operational requirements set by Pingo, the last-mile logistics provider behind Sixty60.

“The attempted disruptions of our Sixty60 service experienced in parts of KwaZulu-Natal this past weekend are the actions of a small group of disgruntled former contractor riders,” a Checkers spokesperson said.

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Pingo, initially launched in 2022 as a joint venture between Shoprite and RTT Logistics, became a wholly owned Shoprite subsidiary in 2024 after a Competition Tribunal-approved acquisition. The company manages the recruitment and oversight of delivery riders.

Shoprite Responds to Allegations and Confirms Police Action

Checkers Sixty60 and its logistics arm have faced scrutiny over hiring practices. Social media claims suggested that the majority of drivers were foreign nationals, but at Shoprite’s 2024 annual general meeting, independent chairperson Wendy Lucas-Bull countered these allegations.

She confirmed that 23% of Sixty60 drivers are South African and added: “They earn significantly above the minimum wage by a long way, and they are well-remunerated and have significant benefits attached in terms of funeral policies, insurance and other things like that.”

The company stressed that its business is guided by fairness and the rule of law, warning that unlawful protests would not be tolerated.

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“We will not tolerate any actions aimed at disrupting, coercing or threatening our operations or public safety,” a spokesperson said.

Checkers confirmed that cases had been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), noting that criminal acts were committed during the protests.

“As such, we cannot provide further comment as it is a police matter. We continue to give our full cooperation to SAPS, who should be contacted for more information.”

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