Checkers Sixty60 has taken South Africa by storm.

Their all-too-familiar teal bikes can, these days, be spotted wherever you are, and the delivery service has become synonymous with many jokes and memes online.

READ: South Africa residents warned about WhatsApp voice notes

It has also changed the way people shop, providing consumers with a more efficient and convenient way to get groceries to their doorstep.

While this has made the lives of millions of people much more convenient, have you ever wondered what it means to be a Sixty60 driver or perhaps how much they earn?

In recent months, numerous complaints and allegations surrounding the treatment of these delivery men and women have surfaced.

One of the main complaints is that they are not considered employees and are sometimes very underpaid.

According to TopAutoSixty60 delivery drivers are considered “independent contractors” and not permanent employees of the brand.

“Drivers are independent contractors; they receive compensation based on their contractual agreement to provide a service and are therefore not employees,” according to the company.

READ: SA’s 30 Most Luxurious Neighborhoods

Checkers outsources all delivery platform logistics to its partner Pingo, a joint venture between Shoprite (Checker’s parent company) and RTT Logistics.

Democratic Alliance MP and lawyer Michael Bagraim criticized the situation, saying it could promote risky behavior and push people to be on the road and working, more than they probably should.

“They don’t get any benefits and they don’t get any protections from our labor laws,” Bagraim said.

“This forces the so-called employees to make as many trips as possible, putting their lives at risk,” he said. On the ground.

How much they get paid

My broadband recently reported only the payment these riders receive, contacted by a former Sixty60 operator.

According to the anonymous person who worked at Checkers in Mossel Bay from September 2022 to February 2024, runners typically earn around R7,600 per month.

But this is where things get complicated.

Checkers Sixty60 riders reportedly faced difficulties when Pingo announced the removal of the minimum daily rate of R350 that drivers would receive regardless of the number of trips they made.

READ: Comedian explains what it means to have Gen Z kids

This led to a stay away strike and fortunately the minimum daily rate was reinstated.

The anonymous former worker explained that the typical monthly amount of R7,600 includes this R350 daily fee.

However, MyBroadband also reported that cyclists would have to cover their own fuel and bike rental costs.

“Fuel costs were R3,200 per month and bike rental was R400 per week, leaving rider A with a net monthly income of R2,800.”

According to My broadbandthe minimum fare was reportedly removed again shortly after the first strike, leading to another permanent strike.