Introduction
Restaurants and food delivery services have become a major source of employment in South Africa. From waiters and kitchen staff to food and grocery delivery riders on motorcycles, these jobs support thousands of households. However, many South Africans are concerned that a large number of these positions are occupied by foreign nationals, including delivery riders, trolley assistants, and parking controllers.
This article examines the issue in a factual and balanced way, focusing on working conditions, earnings, and what South Africans can reasonably expect to earn in these roles.
Why Many Restaurants and Delivery Platforms Employ Foreign Nationals
There is no single reason, but several factors contribute to this trend.
Cost Reduction by Employers
Some restaurants and delivery platforms aim to reduce costs by paying low or variable income, often based on shifts, trips, or tips rather than fixed salaries. Workers who are willing to accept uncertain income are sometimes preferred.
Flexible and Demanding Working Hours
Restaurant and delivery work often involves long hours, weekend shifts, night work, and working in bad weather. Some workers accept these conditions due to limited alternatives.
Platform-Based Work
Many food and grocery delivery services operate on a contractor or gig-work model. Riders are often paid per delivery instead of earning a fixed monthly salary. This structure shifts risk from companies to workers.
Documentation and Informal Work
Many foreign nationals working in these sectors are legally documented. However, there are cases where individuals work without valid permits or operate rented or shared delivery accounts. Responsibility for compliance lies with the businesses and platform operators.
How Much Restaurant and Delivery Workers Are Sometimes Paid
In non-compliant or informal arrangements, reported earnings include:
- Delivery riders earning between R3,000 and R6,000 per month during slow periods
- Trolley assistants earning between R80 and R150 per day, mainly from tips
- Parking controllers relying almost entirely on daily tips, often below minimum wage
These earnings are unstable and offer little job security.
What South Africans Should Reasonably Earn in These Roles
Restaurant Workers
Waiters, kitchen assistants, and cleaners should earn at least the national minimum wage when working regular hours. With tips, some workers earn more, but base pay must remain compliant.
Food and Grocery Delivery Riders (Motorcycles)
A delivery rider working full-time and completing enough trips should reasonably earn:
- Approximately R7,000 to R12,000 per month
- Weekly earnings of approximately R1,800 to R3,000
Earnings vary depending on deliveries completed, location, fuel costs, and platform incentives.
Trolley Assistants
When formally employed, trolley assistants should earn at least:
- Approximately R4,000 to R6,000 per month
- Or the equivalent of the national minimum wage for hours worked
Parking Controllers
Where parking controllers are formally employed, they should earn at least the national minimum wage and receive payslips and UIF registration. Tip-only arrangements are considered informal and offer no income protection.
Benefits and Worker Rights
Workers in restaurants and delivery services are entitled to:
- Clear agreements or contracts
- Fair and transparent payment structures
- UIF registration where applicable
- Reasonable working hours
- Safe working conditions
Gig workers should clearly understand deductions, fuel costs, and commission structures.
The Real Issue: Structure and Compliance
The concentration of foreign nationals in these roles is largely linked to:
- Informal employment
- Platform-based payment models
- Weak enforcement of labour standards
The core issue is not nationality, but job quality, income stability, and compliance.
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Conclusion
Restaurant staff, delivery riders, trolley assistants, and parking controllers all contribute to daily life in South Africa. Fair pay, clear rules, and lawful employment benefit workers, businesses, and the broader economy.
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