“Sisterhood Is Proud”: Food Delivery Woman Returns to Work After Embarrassing Setback, SA Celebrates
- A young woman shared a candid story detailing her reasons for initially halting her grocery and takeaway delivery work for retailers
- The inspiring video, shared on TikTok, captured her preparing to resume work after overcoming personal anxieties related to public perception
- Social media users rallied in support, commending her resilience and encouraging her to pursue her honest living
- Briefly News spoke with Checkers Sixty60 Driver Karrim Abdul on the challenges and realities of their role as delivery drivers
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Source: TikTok
A compelling story from a young woman explaining her temporary departure from grocery and takeaway delivery services resonated across digital platforms.
The entrepreneur, TikTok user @nothingaestheticswithkea, shared the clip on the video streaming platform, gaining massive views, likes, and a flood of supportive comments from online users.
The video opened with the woman carefully washing her Uber Eats and Mr D Food delivery bags, along with her helmet, on a sunny day at home, a visual sign of her return to the gig economy. She recounted a specific incident at a shopping mall while making deliveries, where she noticed a lady filming her and laughing with a friend. This uncomfortable experience, she explained, caused her significant anxiety and ultimately led her to stop her delivery work.
Overcoming public scrutiny
Despite missing the income from these jobs, she had taken time to deal with what she termed the 'abantu bazothini' (what will people say) syndrome. She proudly stated that she had now recovered and was no longer bothered by the potential public comments. Emphasising her affection for the money she earned, she declared that people would soon see her back on the road. She even boasted about her plans to add another bike to her collection of two, further expanding her delivery fleet.
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Source: TikTok
Overcoming public scrutiny as a Sixty60 driver
The Briefly News team connected with Karrim Abdul, a dedicated Checkers Sixty60 delivery driver, to discuss the viral story of a fellow driver overcoming public scrutiny.
The team asked the man if the "abantu bazothini" syndrome was something he was familiar with in his field, especially for women. He said:
"Absolutely! That syndrome is real in this job. For men, we feel it sometimes as we all called all kinds of names in our townships, including Velaphi. For women, it is even tougher. They get more stares and comments. People can be quick to judge, as if doing deliveries on a motorbike isn't a respectable way to earn a living. It takes a lot of courage to just put on that helmet and ride past the judgment.
We asked the man if he had ever experienced a similar situation to the mall incident while on duty. He shared:
"Yes, I have. It's not always someone filming, but you get those looks or snide remarks, especially in crowded places like malls or busy intersections. Sometimes, other drivers on the road can be aggressive too, trying to cut you off or yelling. It makes you feel quite vulnerable out there, but you learn to just focus on the delivery.
When asked what message he would give to a young woman considering becoming a delivery driver, but is perhaps hesitant due to concerns about public perception or safety. Karrim responded:
"I'd tell them to be brave and focus on the fact that they're earning an honest living. Don't let other people's opinions stop you from making your money. Yes, there are challenges, such as traffic, sometimes difficult customers, and occasional bad weather, but you provide an essential service to the community. Stay alert and safe on the roads, be professional, and remember that your hard work is something to be proud of.
Mzansi supports the lady's endeavours
The woman's candid account garnered overwhelming support from social media users. Many encouraged her never to let external opinions or actions derail her progress, stressing that people would always find something to criticise, regardless. Some women expressed that her story had inspired them to consider joining the delivery industry themselves, as they had been unemployed for some time. Others shared how proud they were of her resilience, reassuring her that there was nothing to be ashamed of in earning an honest living.
User @Mzu Dlamini said:
"Don't stop. Never let people mess with your mind, I'm 25 and a taxi driver 🤷♂️the stigma is there but I'm making money."
User @Turfies Exam Care Packages added:
"Rule number 1: Don't be ashamed of your hustle."
User @confidence Gomolemo shared:
"That time I'm thinking of doing something with my Kia Picanto since I'm unemployed, still deciding on takealot or whatever is available for me to do."
User @omphilekekana commented:
"Don't stop! Let them laugh, you'll find out that the very same people who are laughing are unemployed 🤦♂️😂."
User @Zama Gcabashe added:
"Never let anyone make you feel ashamed of what feeds you. Earn your coins, baby, and keep growing! I'm an Uber driver and I know all about being judged, but hey, I'm not fazed, as long as I sleep peacefully😊. Wishing you all the best, be safe out there❤️."
User @iba🇿🇦livingin🇩🇰
"Go secure that bag, babes. Sisterhood is proud of you, abantu bazothini syndrome won’t pay the bills."
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News articles about deliveries
- A local man was frustrated after seeing that the items he ordered on the Pick n Pay ASAP app on a Sunday had a six-hour delay.
- A young woman was heartbroken after the couch she ordered from a local manufacturer looked different from the picture when it was delivered.
- A South African woman proudly showed off a container full of goods to be delivered to their owners, from her shipping company, which she opened in China.
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Source: Briefly News
