By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African truck drivers across the country are expected to down tools in protest against the hiring of foreign drivers.
Drivers linked to the organisation All-Truck Drivers Forum and Allied SA (ATDF ASA) are aggrieved over what they believe to be the priority treatment given to foreign nationals.
It’s a longstanding issue that has at times brought major routes like the N3 freeway to a standstill during protests.
In December, hundreds of truck drivers blocked the N3 near Van Reenen’s Pass, causing traffic to be backed up for several kilometers.
ATDF ASA secretary general Sifiso, Nyathi says a less disruptive protest is planned for the weekend.
“Tomorrow [Sunday] we’re not driving at all, the whole day, and Monday we are going to the bargaining council to send our memorandum to the bargaining council and our grievances,” said Nyathi.
“There will be no blockage on the roads. We appeal with the drivers to stay at home. Those who are driving to other provinces can park at the truck stops or at the yards at the depot until we take our memorandum to the bargaining council in Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal.”
Among the grievances to be submitted are calls not to register foreign nationals under the bargaining council.
“We want this trucking industry sector to be reserved for South Africans.
“If a transport operator is not registered under the bargaining council, they mustn’t operate because those companies are the ones who are fly-by-night, killing the economy, killing the market and employ foreigners because they won’t comply with the minimum wage,” added Nyathi.
While Nyathi hopes no disruptions will be caused on the roads, police in KZN says they will be on high alert.
“The SAPS treats all threats as serious and accordingly will deploy police officers and necessary resources to curb such threat,” said provincial police spokesperson, Thembeka Mbele.
Meanwhile Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) Richards Bay has warned transporters of possible disruptions on national roads this weekend as All Truck Drivers Forum Allied South Africa embarks on a strike against the continued employment of foreign nationals.
TPT advised transporters to proceed with caution and if possible to even hold back deliveries during the weekend.
According to TPT, SAPS has advised that disruptive action is expected from ATDF-ASA and it’s affiliates on national and provincial roads this weekend, 26 to 27 Feb 2022, which will be focused on halting truck movements.
“Blockade of national roads and highways, most likely using highjacked trucks, will likely take place in order to intensify the pressure on government to address their grievance with the use of foreign truck drivers by South African trucking companies,” TPT Richards Bay Key Accounts Manager, Nokwanda Ndlela said.
The N3 and N2 are historically targeted and there may also be disruptive actions at the Durban and Richards Bay ports.
Contingency measures have been implemented by the various security clusters. This includes continuous vehicle patrols and high visibility on our roads by law enforcement officers.
Ndlela advised clients making use of road transport for the transportation of commodities to the Port of Richards Bay to plan wisely ahead of the ATDF-ASA strike.