Uber Eats and Sixty60 deliveries disrupted by protests

Food and grocery deliveries slowed in parts of South Africa on Tuesday after anti-migrant protests kept many delivery riders off the roads. Services including Uber Eats and Checkers Sixty60 experienced delays, particularly in Johannesburg, where many delivery riders are foreign nationals. According to the Africa Diaspora Forum (ADF), many riders decided not to work because they feared for their safety.

Safety concerns keep riders off the roads

Nqabutho Mabhena, secretary of the ADF, said the protests showed how much South Africa’s delivery industry relies on migrant workers. “When riders stay home because they fear for their safety, customers wait longer for deliveries and businesses that depend on these platforms also feel the impact,” he said. Uber South Africa said it was monitoring the situation and would continue to put the safety of drivers, delivery partners and customers first. The company said drivers and delivery partners can decline or cancel trips if they feel unsafe without facing penalties. It also encouraged them to use the safety features in the Uber app, including the emergency assistance button.

Restaurants and retailers also affected

Before the demonstrations, Shoprite warned customers that planned protests could disrupt Checkers Sixty60 deliveries in some areas. Some restaurants also struggled to fulfil orders during the day because fewer riders were available. Mabhena said several businesses closed earlier than usual as trading slowed and conditions became more uncertain. He added that some migrant workers may delay returning to work if they continue to have safety concerns, which could affect delivery services over the coming days.

Police respond to unrest

The protests also sparked unrest in parts of Johannesburg’s CBD later in the day. Protesters set a vehicle alight, one person was reportedly shot and the South African National Defence Force deployed soldiers to support police. South African Police Service spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said police arrested five people in Gauteng for alleged looting and another 23 in the Free State. Those arrested included the owner of a guest house accused of harbouring undocumented foreign nationals. Police said officers remained on the ground to monitor the demonstrations and respond to incidents where necessary.