‘National shutdown’: Truck drivers gear up for protest on SA’s major routes

Police and other state security services have assured South African motorists that they will be closely watching the “national shutdown” announced by organisers of the truck drivers protest planned for today.

The protest is expected to strain the supply chain as billions of rands of goods are transported via trucks across South Africa due to the country’s failing rail network, BusinessTech noted in a report.

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Truck drivers protest against employment of foreign drivers

According to All Truck Drivers Forum (ATDF) and Allied South Africa’s deputy chairperson Mandla Mngomezulu, the truck blockade comes after concerns about the use of foreign drivers in the industry, have fallen on deaf ears for years.

The issue of foreign truck drivers being given preference for employment has been raised for the past three years by local driver associations.

Mngomezulu explained that an inter-ministerial committee of various government departments, including Transport, Home Affairs and Labour and Employment, was set up in 2021 to look into the matter, but nothing has been done to address the matter.

Disruptions to major transport routes and economic impact

In an interview with SABC News, Mngomezulu said the 11 000 members of ATDF are spread across the country and therefore there will be disruptions to all major transport routes throughout the national supply chain.

The major transport routes that may be affected include the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban, the N11 highway to Newcastle, M4 and M7, N2 and N34.

Asked why they had chosen a Sunday for their protest, Mngomezulu said it would still have an impact on the supply chain and economy.

“Whether it is a weekend or not, the fact is trucks move goods across the country all the time, and therefore the impact of our action will be felt,” he said.

Mngomezulu said all truck drivers have been instructed to adhere to a peaceful protest action, but then added the additional warning that “anything can happen if police interfere with their demonstrations”.

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Natjoints on high alert: All resources mobilised

While the national truck strike is deemed legal, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) said it has mobilised all resources at its disposal to closely monitor the situation and tackle any criminality.

“The NATJOINTS assures the nation that no lawlessness in the form of barricading of roads, torching of trucks and looting of goods from those operating will be tolerated. The NATJOINTS is calling on those who are partaking in the protest to do so peacefully and respect those who do not wish to partake in the strike,” a statement issued by Natjoints read.

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Police said no blocking of roads, burning of trucks, or any other forms of criminality will be tolerated.

Private security companies have also been reeled in to assist and the SAPS’s E2 (Eyes and Ears) project will provide extra manpower to deal with violence that may erupt.

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Deadline set for foreign truck driver work permits

Some progress regarding tackling the issue of foreign truck drivers has been made regarding work permits.

eNCA reported that foreign truckers have until the end of June to obtain proper work permits.

The Labour Department will then conduct inspections and workers and employers may find themselves in trouble.

Road Freight Association CEO  Gavin Kelly, however, said it’s taken 18 months of work to get to this point.

“The task team was formed towards the end of 2022 and there have been 18 months of meetings,” he said.

“As of the 30th of June 2023, those individuals who are employed in South Africa through anything other than a work permit will no longer be legal.”

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