Truck drivers set to protest across SA
South African truck drivers across the country are expected to down tools on Saturday evening 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,” says 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,” Nyathi adds.
While Nyathi hopes no disruptions will be caused on the roads, police in KZN say 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,” says provincial police spokesperson, Thembeka Mbele.
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