JOHANNESBURG - Shoprite says it is prioritising driver training and safety as its on-demand grocery delivery platform Sixty60 continues to expand rapidly across South Africa.
The company says the service has created more than 18,000 jobs since launching in 2019, including nearly 10,000 delivery drivers contracted through Pingo, its last-mile delivery subsidiary.
Pingo, now wholly owned by the Shoprite Group, manages delivery operations for Sixty60 across the country. The retailer acquired full ownership of the company in 2024 to strengthen oversight of driver safety and delivery standards.
Training academies for drivers
To support the growing network of riders, Pingo has established eight driver training academies across South Africa, including in Benoni, Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Polokwane.
Prospective drivers must hold a valid licence and complete onboarding training before they are allowed on the road.
Training includes:
- Road safety and defensive driving techniques
- Accident procedures and safety protocols
- Anti-hijacking awareness
- Annual refresher training
Delivery riders must also complete K53 motorcycle training and undergo annual defensive riding assessments conducted by instructors accredited by the Motorcycle Safety Institute.
The company says nearly 4,000 riders were trained between January and October 2025 through a specialised urban rider course developed in partnership with the institute.
Monitoring driver behaviour
Shoprite says driver behaviour is continuously monitored using telematics technology installed on most delivery vehicles.
The system tracks driving patterns and helps identify safety risks, allowing the company to introduce further training where necessary.
Drivers are also required to undergo regular vehicle inspections and maintenance checks, while field teams provide operational support and safety oversight.
The company says riders are not penalised for late deliveries and are not incentivised to rush orders.
Instead, the delivery system is designed to support safer driving.
Vetting process for drivers
Pingo says drivers must pass a strict vetting process before joining the platform.
This includes:
- Criminal record checks
- Identity and banking verification
- Valid motorcycle licence confirmation
- Vehicle roadworthiness inspections
- Compliance with immigration laws for foreign nationals
Members of the public can also report unsafe driving behaviour via the company’s customer service line.
Advanced safety training pilot
Shoprite has also launched a pilot advanced rider safety training programme in Stellenbosch.
More than 100 drivers are currently participating in the initiative, which focuses on improving hazard recognition, defensive riding and decision-making in complex traffic situations.
Motorcycle Safety Institute founder Hein Jonker says delivery riders spend long hours on the road and require continuous safety training.
"When riding a motorcycle is your livelihood, safety can’t be a once-off conversation -– it must be ongoing," Jonker said.
If successful, the programme will be rolled out to more than 9,000 Sixty60 drivers nationwide.