Low protest turn-out ‘unexpected’

THE United National Transport Union (Untu) said they were disappointed over the poor turn-out at their planned “national shutdown” protest over safe trains.

Untu spokesperson Sonja Carstens said they had a very low turn-out which they did not expect. However, she said it could be the intimidation their members received from the managers at the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa).

She said at least they managed to convey and create awareness of what they need for their members and commuters.

“The way forward is left in the hands of the courts. Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula made several noises, which included insourcing of Prasa securities, to skill and highly train police.” She said that was an excellent idea as a long-term goal.

“If the government is serious about changing the situation, they should implement our suggestions, starting by deploying the army on our trains,” Carstens said.

Prasa spokesperson Nana Zenani said the protest had no impact on their trains, adding that the contingency plan by Prasa was implemented.

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If government’s serious, they’ll start by deploying the army on trains Sonja Carstens UNTU SPOKESPERSON

The protest was aimed at forcing President Cyril Ramaphosa to assist in efforts to provide a safe and reliable passenger rail service.

The two unions, the Federation of Unions of SA and Untu on Thursday issued a statement laying out its plans for the protest marches in Pretoria, Joburg, Durban and Cape Town on Friday, and said workers would meet at 10am and the official marches were expected to begin from 11am.

This was after Mbalula announced his departmental plans at a briefing in Parliament last week, including plans to have highly armed security guards at train stations. Untu commended the announcement and regarded it as a long-term solution and were demanding a short term solution.