411
Big Trouble for Couriers and Delivery Drivers in South Africa
Big Trouble for Couriers and Delivery Drivers in South Africa
The Department of Home Affairs has warned that it’s tightening its grip on illegal immigrants working as e-hailing and delivery drivers in South Africa. With more inspections, roadblocks, and raids planned, companies and workers alike are under scrutiny.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber recently responded to a parliamentary Q&A, revealing that while specific details of the crackdown cannot be disclosed, intelligence gathering is already underway.
What’s Happening?
South Africa has seen increased efforts to clamp down on illegal workers in various sectors, including restaurants and construction. Now, the focus is shifting to the e-commerce and e-hailing industries.
Key government initiatives like Operation Siyasebenta (“we are working”) and Operation Shanela (“sweep”) aim to ensure compliance with labor laws and visa regulations.
For e-hailing drivers (like Uber and Bolt), inspections often take place during roadblocks or stop-and-search operations conducted by the SAPS. Delivery drivers and other e-commerce workers, meanwhile, face traditional business inspections as part of broader operations.
What’s Driving the Crackdown?
Industry concerns about the heavy reliance on foreign workers have been growing. At a recent Shoprite Annual General Meeting, chairperson Wendy Lucas-Bull revealed that only 23% of delivery drivers in South Africa are local.
This heavy reliance on foreign workers raises two key issues:
- Illegal employment: Workers often lack proper visas or permits.
- Employment conditions: Many drivers are classified as independent contractors, meaning they miss out on benefits like paid leave, health insurance, and job security.
What to Expect
The government’s operations aim to ensure compliance with multiple laws, including:
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
- National Minimum Wage Act (NMW)
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
- Employment Services Act (ESA)
Inspectors won’t announce visits, keeping companies and workers on edge. According to Minister Schreiber, inspections are intelligence-driven, targeting industries suspected of employing illegal workers.
What This Means for Companies and Drivers
For businesses in the e-hailing and delivery space, the stakes are high. Failing to comply with labor laws or hiring illegal workers could result in fines, operational shutdowns, or worse.
For drivers—especially those classified as independent contractors—this could mean a sudden loss of income if they are found working without the correct documentation.
A Broader Concern
Beyond immigration compliance, the employment conditions of drivers remain a hot topic. The lack of benefits and job security for independent contractors has led to calls for reform in the gig economy, where companies often prioritize flexibility over worker protections.
Looking Ahead
With the government ramping up its efforts, the next few months will be critical for the e-commerce and e-hailing industries in South Africa. Companies must ensure compliance to avoid penalties, while drivers—both local and foreign—should secure proper documentation to continue operating.
This crackdown highlights the balancing act between enforcing immigration laws, ensuring fair labor practices, and maintaining a thriving gig economy.
