Port picks up pieces after violent strike

Bulldozers used to flip police cop vans

Operations have resumed at the Richards Bay Transnet Port Terminal (TPT), where contract workers employed by materials handling company Radds embarked on what has been described as an illegal strike yesterday.

Acting chief executive Themba Gwala said in a statement that the company has bol- stered security on site‚ including reinforcements from the police‚ to ensure the safety of the workers‚ the company’s assets and those of third parties on their premises.

“The TPT activated its business continuity and contingency plans‚ including the command centre‚ which is staffed by our executives from the operations. These are intended to ensure that there is minimum disruption to port users and customers‚” said Gwala.

He said the situation has been contained and “our operations are running smoothly”.

Transnet Port Terminals manages 16 cargo terminal facilities across seven South African ports with a staff complementofmorethan9 000.Its operations target the automotive sector‚ containers‚ bulk and break bulk.

Chaos reigned yesterday morning when protesting workers caused havoc‚ using bulldozers to flip over police vans. Police fired warning shots to control the crowd as workers went on the rampage.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman LieutenantColonel Thulani Zwane said some of the workers were arrested in connection with the incident. Police were monitoring the situation.

The protest turned violent at the main entrance to the port‚ resulting in all work coming to a standstill. People were advised to stay away from the area.

‘Richards Bay Transnet Port Terminal activated its business continuity and contingency plans’