Takealot—Mr D delivery drivers documented R27.50-per-delivery pay, unpaid 14-hour shifts, and contractor misclassification at Takealot's TFS unit

Drivers for Takealot Fulfilment Solutions' (TFS) Mr D delivery service told The Citizen they are paid R27.50 per delivery (R6.50 collection + R21 delivery, plus R2.54/km after 3km), with one driver earning R2,700.34 for a 67-delivery week. Drivers described mandatory 6:30am hub reporting for 8am-8:30pm shifts (roughly 14 hours) with no pay for up to an hour of unpaid parcel sorting, a fine system (R240 for a missed shift or failed uniform audit, R200 for not following delivery instructions, R30 for customer complaints or vehicle breakdowns), and classification as 'independent contractors' despite employment-like controls such as mandatory shift attendance, inability to decline deliveries without penalty, and apps being taken offline in response to grievances. TFS initially denied the R27.50 rate on June 12, 2026, then on June 19 The Citizen published driver payslips confirming it; TFS said it takes driver 'well-being, dignity, and safety extremely seriously' and that claims are reviewed through internal channels, declining to answer questions on remuneration or contractor status citing legal and confidentiality obligations. Drivers also alleged replacement by foreign nationals willing to work for less, which TFS did not address.