From early mornings to late nights, one Checkers Sixty60 driver is showing South Africans what the job really looks like. While most South Africans tap an app and wait for groceries to arrive, one driver is pulling back the curtain on what it actually takes to make that convenience possible.
Meet Eliel Banza, a Checkers Sixty60 driver and content creator who has quietly built an online following by documenting his life behind the helmet, telling a story of hustle, sacrifice and small victories.
Banza’s content, which has quickly gone viral and amassed over 1.2 million views across platforms, captures the full arc of his day. They often start with him leaving his modest one-room home early in the morning and often end long after sunset.
In between, there are dozens of deliveries, unpredictable weather and the constant hum of city traffic. But it’s the moments in between that resonate most.
Take a look:
Through Banza’s social media posts, viewers have seen him:
- Cleaning and organising his small living space
- Preparing simple home-cooked meals
- Servicing his motorbike to keep it roadworthy
In one clip, posted after working through heavy rain, he admits to feeling worn down by the conditions, yet still pushes on. In another, he encourages followers to stay disciplined and trust the process, a message that has evidently struck a chord with many.
The reality behind the convenience
The rise of services like Checkers’ Sixty60, launched in 2019 with the promise of groceries delivered in under an hour, has transformed how South Africans shop. But behind that speed is a workforce navigating the pressures of the gig economy.
Drivers operate as independent contractors through Pingo, meaning they cover many of their own costs, according to BusinessTech.
Some own their bikes, while others rent them, adding another layer of expense.
Reported earnings average around R7 600 to R8 000 per month before these deductions, leaving many drivers with significantly less in take-home pay. For many drivers, customer tips can make a meaningful difference to daily income. Estimates suggest drivers may earn roughly R120 a day in tips, depending on shifts and demand. Still, it’s inconsistent and far from guaranteed.
This has sparked ongoing debate online about whether tipping culture should be more strongly encouraged in South Africa, especially as app-based services continue to grow.
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Social media reacts: ‘We see you’
Banza’s videos have triggered a wave of reactions across social platforms. Many viewers say they had never considered the effort behind each delivery before. Other comments range from admiration to concern:
- Some praise his discipline and positive mindset
- Others question the sustainability of gig-based work
- Many say they now tip more, or plan to start
What sets Banza apart isn’t just that he documents his work; it’s how he frames it. His content isn’t about complaints or glamour. It’s about showing up, staying grounded, and making the most of what he has, making his videos feel refreshingly authentic amid the digital seas of curated perfection.
For the thousands of South Africans watching from their phones, that authenticity is exactly what keeps them coming back. Given the country’s ever-growing battle with high unemployment rates, stories like this strike a deeper chord. They highlight both the opportunities and the limitations of app-driven jobs.
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Picture: Screenshot from Video
