EWN reports that the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union (Satawu) on Monday called on government to take steps to put a stop to the alarming loss of life in the trucking industry.  

Dozens of trucks have been attacked and torched on the N3 in KwaZulu-Natal in the past year, resulting in the deaths of 213 people, including drivers.  Satawu accused government of engaging with an illegitimate truck owner association, the Positive Freight Solution Forum, which allegedly hired undocumented foreign nationals over qualified South Africans, which it said was creating tensions in the industry.  Satawu spokesperson Zanele Sabela stated:  “The association is on record as saying South Africans do not possess the required skills to drive their trucks thereby justifying the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.  South African legislation is clear that a company cannot employ a foreign national unless he/she possesses a scarce skill.  Possessing a code 14 driver’s licence, however, is hardly a scarce skill.”  Satawu warned that, should government not heed the union's call to intervene, it would mobilise all employer associations nationally to stop operations and cease the movement of all goods until government took effective action.

• Read the full original of Bonga Dlulane’s report in the above regard at EWN

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