By: Natasha Archary
The on-going trucking strike has already cost the South African economy an estimated R300 million. Last week, disgruntled truck drivers blocked the N3 highway to and from KwaZulu-Natal, protesting for various reasons of unfairness in the industry.
Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association, gives Gugulethu Mfuphi an update on the trucking strike.
Speaking to Kaya Biz on Monday, 20 June, Kelly says there have been 2-days of discussions with the Ministerial Task Team to fine-tune an implementation plan.
In addressing the core reasons for the strike, Kelly outlined what the effects would be should these strikes continue without intervention.
Kelly who wrote a letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, after the N3 blockade on Youth Day brought the country to a standstill, said without trucks SA stops.
The strikes have impacted the economy and have affected several of the countries main routes.
“Some of the unresolved issues include, at the core of the strikes, a labour issue. Employers who are hiring foreign nationals who do not have the necessary paperwork to be legally be in the country for work. Whether it’s a work permit or a visa, and the Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi has been addressing changes to the visa systems or the permission system.”
Gavin Kelly speaks to Gugulethu Mfuphi about the on-going trucking strike
The employment of foreigners in the trucking industry is what is fuelling the on-going strikes, with South African drivers against this.
Truck drivers also say they are being treated unfairly and with poor working conditions, spending long hours on the road with minimum wages.
One of the points in the implementation plan would include the Department of Employment and Labour running inspections to ensure that basic employee requirements are being met by employers.
Kelly says the impact on the economy if the strikes continue will put the country’s financial stability in jeopardy.
Gavin Kelly gives Gugulethu Mfuphi an update on the trucking strike:
Also read: Steenhuisen: “Ramaphosa’s secret meeting with Zondo completely inappropriate!”



