Attacks on the logistics chain of South Africa forms of economic sabotage

Mr president

The whole logistics supply chain is under attack. Again. All major routes are being targeted.

Road freight companies (transporters) find themselves being targeted, attacked and prevented from plying their business by forces under the pretext that they are trying to stop foreigners from “taking jobs away from citizens”.

This results in damaged and totally destroyed lives, companies, employment opportunities, economic activity, goods, vehicles, facilities, roads and foreign investment in the movement of goods through South Africa into Africa.

The action discriminates against those companies who comply with all the legislated requirements , while our calls for action against those companies who continue to break the laws and employ foreigners without the correct authorisation and refuse to register or submit to inspections by the Department of Employment and Labour are ignored. They continue to operate and create the position we as a country find ourselves in.

The N3 was blocked for more than 24 hours. There were over 350 trucks stacked in either direction of the N3 (this number was growing by the hour).

Our drivers (and other staff on the trucks) were exposed to severe cold, possible violent looting or other aggravated assault, and did not have the means to survive for days stranded in a truck in the middle of nowhere.

The N3 route links one of the busiest ports in Africa to many countries that rely on a well-functioning, safe and efficient corridor. Much cargo travels and traverses this route. Other vital routes, from Mpumalanga across the country to the Northern Cape – the N17, N11, N2, R59, R74 (the list goes on) – have experienced similar events and delays.

This cannot continue.

The economic impact – initially felt and carried or absorbed by all the transporters stuck on the various routes – is not only enormous (we have already lost around R25-million in truck operating costs), but will cripple many of our smaller operators (88% of our members are SMMES); will have knockon effects on all other industry sectors; and will result in penalties for late delivery, damaged goods, contract breaches and loss of business and unemployment. Ships will sail to other ports – they will not wait for us to “get our act together”.

We will lose trade and business to and through South Africa. Our ports will become ghost towns – and the surrounding businesses relating to those activities of trade and support will close. More unemployment.

When you add up the damage and negative costs to the economy, we are well around R300-million already.

Mr president, what is this really about? Other than the economic sabotage and total destruction of South Africa, there is obvious intent to prove that the control of the country (and its economy) now rests with gangs?

You and your ministers promised to defend the country, to protect its people and to ensure a better life for all. You have broken that trust.

Act now – or we will have no country left.

Mr president, instruct the ministers of police, transport and defence to perform their duties – to restore order and to listen to the proposals made by compliant transporters within the sector. The time is now.

Gavin Kelly

CEO of the Road Freight Association