Take-out deliveries serve concern

A few months ago, Tessa Jade Woollgar, a student attending Rhodes University, was travelling in her car on Prince Alfred Street, until she witnessed a shocking event. “I was driving behind a Steers delivery motorbike when the car in front of him slowed down to go over the speed bump. The motorbike driver was driving so dangerously close to the car that once the car braked, the motorbike smashed right into him.”

Recent rumours are spreading amongst the Grahamstown community regarding delivery take-out employees. Targeting Rhodes University, students are becoming more and more concerned about the reckless driving occurring almost every day between mid-afternoon and midnight.

“When the driver of the car got out to inspect the damage and get the driver's details, it was discovered that the motorbike driver didn’t even have a licence” said Woollgar

After no comment from Steers, regarding this incident, I reached out to the previous owner of Debonairs, Richard Hall, who left the franchise 18 months ago. If they had not obtained a motorbike license, then how could they take such a risk in allowing these people to drive?

“They don’t stop at pedestrians crossings and they drive too fast” said Demi Drew, a 2nd year journalism student.

But according to Hall, the requirements needed for a delivery employee applying for the job, were quite strict. “They need a motorbike license and are required to attend training within the first few months of employment” explained Hall.

The problem lies within their speedy promotion, applying to pizza’s that have a ‘Hot or Not Dot’ sticker. Their legal information found on their website: www.debonairspizza.co.za, explains that if the food is cold upon arrival, the “Hot or Not Dot” sticker will turn black, resulting in a free meal.

Hall, however, does believe that this is a major problem and is something that he would regularly have to deal with. Once a driver leaves the shop; naturally they rely heavily on traffic officials to monitor the drivers on the roads. Hall concluded saying that “we would often get complaints about drivers, but unfortunately, due to labour laws, there is little we can do.”