R40 near Hazyview reopens after protests
Traffic on the R40 between Hazyview and Acornhoek has returned to normal after protesters temporarily blocked the road with heavy vehicles demanding employment.
Traffic is moving freely along the R40 after a protest earlier today, January 29, during which heavy-duty vehicles were used to block the road between Hazyview and Acornhoek.
Police engaged with the protesters and urged them to find more reasonable ways to raise their grievances instead of obstructing a major route.
Protesters allegedly forced truck drivers to park across the road and hand over their keys before leaving the scene, causing major disruption for motorists.
ALSO READ: State vehicle catches fire on R40 in Mbombela
It is unclear when the protest began, but community members said the demonstrators are demanding employment from trucking companies operating along the route.
The R40 is one of the main roads connecting Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
More than 200 trucks travel along the R40 daily. We are aware that many transport minerals from Phalaborwa to Mozambique and are making a lot of money without considering the people living near this road. Trucking companies must give us jobs if they want to use this road without disruption,” said one protester, who asked to remain anonymous.
An articulated bus was used to block the R40 at the Nkanini section of the Marite Trust, while large trucks were used to obstruct traffic at the Shatale intersection.
However, protesters on the Marite side cited a different reason for the roadblock.
“Our members engaged with the community that blocked the road on the Marite side, and they raised the issue of not having electricity. Eskom was notified and the road was reopened,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.
The truck that was used to block the R40 next to the Shatale side-road junction. > Photo: Sourced/Facebook
“Traffic is currently flowing without any disturbance. We continue to urge communities to seek constructive ways to resolve their concerns,” Nonyane-Mpe added.
Lowvelder witnessed several trucks parked along the R40 near Jim Brown earlier in the day.
“We understood that the road was blocked further ahead, so we parked here waiting for the situation to improve before continuing,” said truck driver Edwin Skhosana.
