Planned Disruption by Truck Drivers Forum
The All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA) has announced intentions to disrupt transport and logistics along key national routes, particularly the N3 and N2 in KwaZulu-Natal, this Saturday.
Impact of the Planned Protest
The Forum aims to block roads as part of their protest, which could significantly disrupt the movement of goods and commuters alike.
Underlying Grievances
According to ATDF-ASA secretary-general Gugu Sokhela, the shutdown stems from ongoing issues concerning the employment of foreign nationals in the trucking sector.
Frustration Over Unresolved Issues
“We have engaged the government in multiple meetings over the years, but no solutions have been found. This decision was not made lightly, but we feel we have no other option,” said Sokhela.
Sokhela expressed frustration that their concerns remain unaddressed, accusing trucking firms of hiring foreign workers at wages below the mandated minimum, thereby compromising local drivers.
Concerns About Enforcement Practices
The government is failing to inspect companies that underpay foreign workers. It seems that foreign nationals are prioritized over South Africans, and we are fed up,” he added.
He also raised issues regarding the forthcoming implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) demerit system, questioning how it will affect undocumented foreign drivers.
Department of Transport’s Position
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is aware of the planned protest and is in discussion with national authorities. MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma stated that the department opposes the employment of undocumented foreign truck drivers and has been taking enforcement actions.
Call for Urgent Action
“We have previously stated that company owners employing illegal foreign nationals should face arrest,” Duma stated. He has urged Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to take urgent action, emphasizing that immigration enforcement is essential for addressing these challenges.
Duma also noted that authorities have intercepted and impounded over 15 trucks carrying undeclared goods, with many undocumented drivers among them. Furthermore, enforcement operations have led to the arrest of over 25 undocumented foreign nationals, including truck drivers and delivery riders.
The department has raised concerns regarding labor practices in the trucking industry based on discussions with truck drivers, with allegations of exploitation surfacing.
