Unless something positive comes from the government, it’s all systems go for a planned national shutdown by truck drivers on Monday.

This was according to the All Truck Drivers’ Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF ASA) national secretary-general Gugu Sokhela, who said the government continues to flout its labour policies when it comes to the employment of foreign nationals in the freight industry.

Sokhela said all possible mechanisms to avert the situation of a national shutdown through the joint inspection task team came to a halt since the start of negotiations in 2022, necessitating a go-ahead, Zululand Observer reported.

‘No lawlessness will be tolerated’

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) which is led by the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force and the State Security Agency, said on Sunday they are aware of the possible shutdown.

“As previously communicated, there will be zero tolerance towards threats, intimidation and closure of our roads.  Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to ensure there are no criminal activities and that law abiding citizens are not inconvenienced.

“We call on the road freight industry workers to communicate their grievances within the confines of the law. We reiterate our stance, that no lawlessness and any form of criminality will be tolerated,” police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.

Risk assessment

According to a risk assessment by Fidelity Services Group, the planned shutdown comes on the heels of a protracted 6-year history of violence within the South African trucking and road freight industry.

“Tensions were apparent within the trucking and road freight industry since 2018, with the main point of concern related to the employment of foreign truck drivers,” the assessment stated.

According to the assessment, the impact of the planned shutdown could include the blocking of national highways and major routes around harbours and major cities. This could be achieved by using trucks to block roads, burning tyres and placing debris.

“Long-stranded truck drivers could experience a lack of food and water and severe cold.”

Routes possibly disrupted

Fidelity expects that the N3 between Durban Harbour and Johannesburg could be the epicentre of the shutdown. The N2 from Richards Bay Harbour could also likely be targeted.

Gauteng police senior communications officer Mavela Masondo told Pretoria Rekord the police were aware of the planned shutdown.

“Police in Gauteng are aware of the national shutdown and have put measures in place to ensure the non-striking truck drivers and the entire community are safe and protected during the shutdown,” said Masondo.

Despite the police confirming the planned shutdown, the TMPD and the Gauteng Traffic Department said they are not aware of any authorised planned protests.