**Evaluating Walmart’s Delivery Service in South Africa: Insights and Benchmarking Against Checkers’ Sixty60**

Walmart south AfricaS On-Demand Delivery: Speedy Service with Early Growing Pains

Johannesburg,South Africa – November 30,2025 – walmart’s recently opened Fourways Mall store in South Africa is making waves with its on-demand delivery service,offering a remarkably swift experience despite some initial technical hurdles. A recent test of the service revealed notable delivery times, but highlighted areas needing refinement for a smoother customer journey.

The fourways Mall location, Walmart’s second in the country, launched on November 28th, 2025. An order placed the following day showcased the potential of the service, though the limited product selection online – particularly in fresh meat options – was instantly apparent. Currently, meat choices are restricted to mince, pre-cooked ribs, marinated chicken, wings, and frozen selections. though, the store boasts a robust inventory in other categories, including fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, cold cuts, pantry staples, cereals, snacks, liquor, and beverages.

Placing an order at 09:12 on Saturday,November 29th,proved relatively straightforward,though payment options are currently limited. Walmart utilizes the PayU platform,preventing customers from saving card details within their profiles or leveraging digital wallets like Apple Pay,samsung Pay,or Google Pay. users must manually enter their credit or debit card information each time, and the system is sensitive to formatting – spaces in the card number can cause payment failures.

Despite these payment challenges, the delivery itself was exceptionally fast. The order was dispatched just 15 minutes after placement, at 09:27. Given the proximity of the delivery address to Fourways Mall, the rider arrived in the area quickly.

Though, a mapping error within the address selection system initially directed the driver to an incorrect location on the same street. This highlighted a critical gap in the app’s functionality: the lack of real-time in-app tracking and direct communication with the driver. Rather,customers receive a link to a third-party tracking system wich proved slow to update.

Unable to directly contact the driver, a wait ensued untill both the rider and a Walmart support agent reached out to resolve the address discrepancy. Fortunately, the rider was nearby, and the order was successfully collected at 09:40 – a total of 28 minutes from order placement.

The speed of delivery, even with the address issue, was highly impressive.Walmart’s support team also demonstrated a rapid response, proactively contacting the customer through the driver.

Delivery Timeline summary:

* Order Placed: 09:12
* Order Dispatched: 09:27 (15 minutes)
* Order Collected: 09:40 (28 minutes total)

While Walmart’s on-demand delivery service is still in its early stages, the speed and responsiveness are promising. Addressing the payment system limitations, improving address accuracy, and implementing in-app tracking and driver communication will be crucial for optimizing the customer experience and solidifying Walmart’s position in South Africa’s competitive on-demand delivery market.

How does Walmart’s current geographic coverage for its delivery service in South Africa compare to Sixty60’s, and what implications does this have for consumer access?

Walmart’s South African Delivery Landscape: A Recent Entrant

Walmart’s presence in South Africa, primarily through Massmart holdings (including brands like Game and Makro), has seen a relatively recent push into dedicated on-demand delivery services. While traditionally relying on in-store pickup and third-party delivery partners, Walmart has begun piloting and expanding its own delivery network. This move directly positions it as a competitor to established players like Checkers’ Sixty60, Pick n Pay ASAP!, and Woolworths’ Dash. Understanding the nuances of Walmart’s offering – including delivery fees, geographic coverage, and product availability – is crucial for South African consumers.Currently,the service is focused on select game and Makro stores,offering grocery and general merchandise delivery.

Sixty60: The Benchmark for Speed and Convenience

Checkers’ Sixty60 has rapidly become the gold standard for grocery delivery in South Africa. Its success stems from several key factors:

* Speed: Average delivery times consistently hover around 60 minutes, a significant advantage.

* Wide Coverage: Sixty60 boasts extensive coverage across major metropolitan areas.

* User-Amiable App: The app is intuitive and easy to navigate, streamlining the ordering process.

* Competitive Pricing: Often matches in-store prices wiht minimal delivery fees.

* Real-Time Tracking: Customers can track their order’s progress in real-time.

This established model provides a clear benchmark against which Walmart’s delivery service must be measured. Consumers now expect a similar level of speed, reliability, and convenience when ordering groceries online. The “instant grocery delivery” market is booming, and Sixty60 has captured a significant share.

Walmart vs. Sixty60: A Head-to-Head Comparison (November 2025)

Here’s a detailed comparison of the two services, based on current observations and publicly available information:

Feature	Walmart (Game/Makro Delivery)	Checkers Sixty60
Delivery Time	60-120 minutes (variable)	~60 minutes
Delivery Fee	R49 – R79 (depending on order value & location)	R35 – R50 (often waived with promotions)
Geographic Coverage	Limited to select areas in major cities	Extensive, nationwide in major metros
Product Range	Wider range (groceries & general merchandise)	Primarily groceries
App Usability	Improving, but less polished than Sixty60	Highly intuitive and user-friendly
Real-Time tracking	Available, but sometimes less accurate	Accurate and detailed
Minimum Order Value	Varies by store, typically R300-R500	R300
Promotions & Discounts	Frequent in-app promotions, often tied to specific products	Regular discounts and loyalty program benefits

Note: These figures are subject to change and vary based on location and ongoing promotions.

Key Areas Where Walmart Needs to Improve

While Walmart’s entry into the South African delivery market is promising,several areas require attention to effectively compete with Sixty60:

1. Delivery Speed: Consistently achieving 60-minute delivery times is critical. Optimizing logistics, strategically locating micro-fulfillment centers, and improving order picking efficiency are essential.
2. Geographic Expansion: Expanding delivery coverage beyond select areas is vital to reach a wider customer base.
3. App Optimization: Investing in app advancement to enhance usability, improve search functionality, and provide a seamless user experience. User feedback should be actively solicited and incorporated.
4. Delivery Fee Structure: Reviewing and potentially lowering delivery fees, or offering more frequent waivers, to align with competitor pricing.
5. Order Accuracy: Ensuring high order accuracy to minimize returns and enhance customer satisfaction.

The Role of Technology and Logistics

Both Walmart and Checkers rely heavily on technology to power their delivery services. This includes:

* Route Optimization Software: To determine the most efficient delivery routes.

* Inventory Management Systems: To ensure accurate stock levels and prevent out-of-stock situations.

* Real-Time Tracking Technology: to provide customers with visibility into their order’s progress.

* Demand Forecasting Algorithms: To predict demand and optimize staffing levels.

Walmart’s advantage lies in its global logistics network and technological resources. Though, Sixty60 has demonstrated agility and a laser focus on the South African market, allowing it to quickly adapt and innovate. The use of independent contractors (drivers) is common to both services, raising considerations around driver welfare and fair compensation.

Impact of the Competitive Landscape on Consumers

The increased competition between Walmart and Checkers (and other players) is ultimately benefiting South African consumers. This competition is driving:

* Lower Prices: Promotions and discounts are becoming more frequent.

* Faster Delivery Times: Services are striving to