Truckers targets for angry mobs

TRUCK owners, already under pressure from a shrinking economy exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, have become targets for mobs who are demanding foreign drivers to step down.

On Monday night, two trucks were set alight in Wadeville, Gauteng, after just being repaired. Three trucks were also looted in the province, while attacks took place in other parts of the country.

A truck owner from Zululand, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, said his nephew, a truck driver, had to dive into the bush after he was assaulted by a mob who also poured petrol on him. He said his truck, including a trailer which was not insured, was set alight. He said his brave nephew had a fistfight with his assailants before he managed to flee when gunshots were fired.

“I am grateful he survived. Had he died, it would have been a tragic loss for the family. I do not support violence because it does not solve problems.

“I am a cross-border driver who travels extensively in the Southern African Development Community region but, during my travelling, I receive threatening messages from locals because of what is happening in my country,” he said.

He said, as a result of the attacks against drivers and damage to trucks, he expected insurance premiums to be added on his other truck.

Sifiso Nyathi, secretary-general of the All Truckers Drivers Foundation (ATDF), said while the looting and burning of trucks was a criminal offence, his organisation knew nothing about the recent attacks.

Nyathi blamed companies for employing foreign nationals when there were local drivers who remained unemployed. He denied ATDF members were involved.

“These are criminal elements wanting to sow hatred. We feel bad for owners whose trucks have been looted. Government and companies should review their stance on employing foreign national drivers,” he said.

Palesa Phili, CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the Durban economy is extremely reliant on the transport sector. She said transport contributes 15% to Durban’s economy.

“The protest will translate to huge losses for the City, contributing further to an already depressed economy as well as hindering several economic recovery initiatives.

“The situation will precipitate uncertainty and delays in freight turnarounds times, creating additional costs for businesses. It impacts the entire value chain and supply chain from trucking companies to the receiving businesses,” said Phili.