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Fin24 reports that as traffic across the country was disrupted by truck blockades, unions and associations representing truck drivers distanced themselves from the strike, which has sought to cause disruption on SA roads this week.
There remains confusion about who is behind the action, and what the disruptors want. SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) spokesperson Zanele Sabela said they were was not involved in the strike and added: “It is called by faceless people. There are messages circulating on social media making threats that are leaving workers concerned because they are being targeted.” Threats to foreign truck drivers have been made on social media in recent days, with industry players blaming Sipho Zungu, the leader of the All Truck Drivers Foundation, for recent remarks against foreigners, which might have emboldened attackers. Meanwhile, the International Cross Border Traders Association, which represents truck drivers, has threatened to stop all SA trucks in neighbouring countries if government doesn’t take action against the attacks on foreign national truck drivers. After a violent weekend, where 20 people were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal for offences including public violence and obstructing traffic, police managed to restore order. In a joint statement, Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi, Minister of Police Bheki Cele, Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula and Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi said they were convening an urgent meeting to get an update on the progress in addressing the violence and planning a way forward.
- Read the full original of the above report by Khulekani Magubane at Fin24
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