Durban, South Africa — Sunday, 28 September 2025 (ongoing) — Drivers working for Checkers Sixty60 in Durban have been on strike since Friday, 26 September 2025, bringing deliveries across the city to a standstill and preventing the app from processing orders.

On Friday, drivers gathered outside the Checkers head office in Umhlanga, calling for senior leadership at the Shoprite Group to engage with them directly. As of today, service in Durban remains disrupted.

Drivers’ demands (summary)

A drivers’ memorandum lists core demands, including:

• Conversion from independent contractor status to employee status under the Labour Relations Act.
• An increase in the base delivery fee to R50 (car) and R40 (bike).
• An end to cost-shifting of fuel, insurance, uniforms and protective equipment onto drivers.
• Freedom to choose insurance providers and mechanics (not being compelled to use Pingo-linked vendors).
• Issuing of logbooks for paid-off bikes and transfer of ownership at the end of rent-to-own agreements.
• Access to copies of all signed documents, fair deductions, and payslips; no coercion to sign paperwork without understanding.

Allegations against management

Striking drivers also allege nepotism and unfair treatment by operations manager Shaun Chetty, including claims that family members were hired under him and that drivers can be dismissed on the spot without due process.

Political support and union context

Members of the MK party are assisting the drivers at the protest. Drivers say their categorisation as independent contractors prevents them from joining trade unions, which they view as part of the problem.

Company response

There has been no official response yet from Shoprite/Checkers or Pingo Delivery. Repeated requests for comment to CMC (the labour broker), specifically to Thumelo, went unanswered at the time of publication.

Scope and outlook

Drivers say all Durban stores are affected and indicate the action will continue indefinitely. Organisers warn the strike could spread nationally if demands are not addressed at the highest level.