TimesLIVE reports that transport minister Fikile Mbalula has promised the government will address concerns raised by truck drivers who blockaded national roads.

The drivers were protesting over the employment of foreign truck drivers as well as issues relating to professional driving permits. “We have made a firm commitment to address these matters in a manner that ensures the sustainability of our interventions. Some of these interventions may require a longer runway as these may require legislative amendments,” said Mbalula at a media briefing on Wednesday. He said the government had met protesting truck drivers and small truck operators who had blockaded the N9 and the N10 highways outside Middelburg in the Eastern Cape. “From the engagements, the issue of the employment of foreign nationals featured strongly in their demands. We have equally taken note of the allegation that employers take advantage of the lack of clarity in our regulations insofar as this relates to foreign nationals making use of professional driving permits issued in their respective countries to drive in SA,” said Mbalula. He indicated that he was also aware of a similar blockade on the N3 near Montrose in the Free State on Tuesday. TimesLIVE goes on to list the commitments the government is putting place to address the concerns raised by the truck drivers:

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nomahlubi Sonjica at TimesLIVE

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