‘We are in trouble’: Viral Sixty60 driver training footage humours South Africans

by Zintle Mdaka

South Africans have responded with their trademark humour after videos and images purportedly showing foreign nationals learning to operate Checkers Sixty60 delivery motorcycles began circulating on social media this week.

Also see: Sixty60 foreign vs South African employment starts online debate

The footage emerged amid increased scrutiny of delivery riders following recent traffic enforcement operations, sparking a wave of jokes, memes and debate online.

While the authenticity and context of some of the viral clips remain unclear, social media users wasted little time turning the footage into comedic content, with many jokingly expressing concern about what the training sessions could mean for South Africa’s roads.

Mzansi’s humour takes centre stage

Across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) , TikTok and Facebook, South Africans shared humorous reactions ranging from mock public service announcements to memes depicting motorists preparing for a new era of delivery drivers.

“We are in trouble,” wrote one user, while another joked: “Everyone on the road must now drive like they’re writing their learner’s licence test again.”

Others playfully suggested that motorists should “avoid all robots for the next month” or “invest in extra insurance immediately.” The posts quickly gained traction, with thousands of shares, comments and reactions.

The jokes also reignited a long-running South African social media tradition of poking fun at the perceived fearlessness of delivery riders, particularly those working for popular delivery platforms.

Also see: Checkers Sixty60 driver goes viral for TikTok moves

The context behind the viral Sixty60 driver training footage

The online reaction comes against the backdrop of growing public discussion around delivery rider safety, licensing, and road behaviour. Earlier this year, Shoprite Group acknowledged concerns about the conduct of some delivery riders and announced that it was expanding training programmes through its logistics subsidiary, Pingo.

According to the company, thousands of delivery riders undergo onboarding and safety training through dedicated training academies before operating on South African roads. Shoprite has said that strengthening rider training remains a priority as the Sixty60 platform continues to expand nationwide, reported eNCA.

The recent traffic operations and broader discussions around migrant labour in the delivery sector have also intensified public interest in who delivers South Africans’ groceries and how those drivers are trained.

Beyond the memes

Although much of the online conversation has been humorous, some social media users used the viral moment to raise more serious concerns about road safety, licensing verification and employment practices within the delivery industry.

Others defended delivery riders, noting the demanding nature of their jobs and the vital role they play in South Africa’s rapidly growing on-demand economy. Several users pointed out that services such as Sixty60 have become an essential part of daily life for many households.

South Africa’s favourite online pastime

If the internet’s response to the viral footage proves anything, it’s that South Africans have once again demonstrated their ability to find humour in almost any situation. Whether expressing genuine concern or simply enjoying the latest viral moment, social media users ensured that the conversation around Sixty60 driver training quickly became one of the country’s most talked-about topics.

For now, the memes continue to roll in — and if social media is to be believed, many South Africans are keeping a particularly close eye on their rear-view mirrors.

Also see: Shoprite to debut its Sixty60 delivery service

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