Truck drivers in KZN could disrupt national routes tomorrow (May 30).

According to the South Coast Herald, disruptions are expected on key national routes, including the N2 Richards Bay, N2 Mtubatuba, N2 Pongola, N2 Ermelo, N2 Piet Retief, R34 Ulundi, R66 Melmoth, R33 Vryheid/Dundee, N3 Harrismith, N3 Ladysmith, N3 Mooi Rivier, N11 Volksrust, N11 Newcastle/R34 Utrecht and N11 Ladysmith.

In a trending video interview, All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa secretary-general Gugu Sokhela said disturbances will be experienced, ‘but it won’t be anything big as we have to operate within the boundaries of the law’.

The organisation said the planned protest aims to highlight long-standing grievances within the trucking industry, including concerns over the employment of foreign nationals, according to a report in the Dundee Courier.

Sokhela said the protest would also focus on opposition to the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences demerit system, which is expected to be implemented in the coming months.

Motorists and freight operators have been urged to remain alert and plan alternative travel arrangements where possible.

Engagement underway

The KZN Department of Transport confirmed today (May 29) that it was engaging with the national government regarding the planned action.

Departmental spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said officials are concerned about road accidents involving undocumented foreign truck drivers, as well as labour-related issues within the transport sector.

Authorities are expected to monitor affected routes closely should the protest proceed.

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