A TikTok clip of a Checkers Sixty60 driver delivering a package to a Durban home in heavy rainfall has sparked a debate among South Africans.
The city and the rest of KwaZulu-Natal have been hit with extreme weather conditions, including flooding, mudslides, and thunderstorms.
The South African Weather Service reports that conditions are set to continue under a Level 5 storm warning for the province, Free State, and Eastern Cape.
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo can also expect a wet weekend.
CHECKERS SIXTY60 DELIVERY IN HEAVY RAINFALL SPARKS DEBATE
In a clip posted by TikToker @only_talisa, a Checkers Sixty60 driver was seen delivering a grocery package to a home in Durban. Dressed in a rain suit, the driver had to contend with heavy rainfall to fulfill his delivery.
“Checkers, the weather is terrible in parts of Durban!” the TikToker complained.
But while some accused the retailer of compromising the safety of their employees to drive in extreme conditions, others claimed that this was no different from other working-class citizens.
Under the post were comments that read:
“At least he has a bike and not walking. He earns an income, and that is what is important.”
“Other people also have to travel by public transport in the rain to get to work.”
“Do others that take taxis and buses also get the day off when it rains?”
Speaking to MyBroadband, an anonymous Sixty60 driver claimed that their work was indeed riskier than others.
He said: “If a customer complains, they deduct R200. It is a difficult job. It’s bad on the road, especially when it rains and when it’s dark.”
Another complained: “We are on our own. No work, no pay. We do not get employee benefits”.
‘NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER’
According to the Shoprite Group, Checkers Sixty60 has a service guarantee in place, “no matter the weather.”
The group’s Chief Strategy Officer, Neil Schreuder, said in a statement: “ In South Africa, this can be tricky at times given load shedding-related traffic congestion, rainy weather, and other challenges faced by drivers on the roads.”
According to BusinessTech, Checkers Sixty60 drivers are independent contractors that own motorbikes and purchase their own uniforms.
The drivers are expected to deliver their orders within 60 minutes, failing which could result in alleged deductions.
Additionally, customers will get their delivery free if an order arrives more than 30 minutes after the estimated time of arrival. Delivery will also be free if an order contains less than 80% of a customer’s first-choice products.
SHOULD CHECKERS SIXTY60 DRIVERS DELIVER IN BAD WEATHER CONDITIONS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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