Massive traffic jam caused by protesting truck drivers hits Pretoria

Several highways in Pretoria were blocked off on Wednesday morning by protesting coal truck drivers opposing government’s decision to employ independent power producer contracts.

The coal truck drivers affiliated to the Coal Transportation Forum jammed rush-hour traffic and left motorists stranded on the N1 North into Pretoria, as well as parts of the N14 and R21.

A statement released by the forum said the protest was organised in response to government’s commitment to renewable energy which it believes will lead to job losses in their sector.

The forum has denied it has embarked on a blockade but rather said truck drivers were just slowly driving to Marabastaad to reach their final destination, the Union Buildings, were they’ll hand over a memorandum of their grievances to officials.

According to EWN about 100 truck drivers from various areas were seen heading to the Pretoria CBD to prepare for the march to the Union Buildings.

Metro police spokesperson Isaac Mahamba urged motorists to use alternative routes in the capital this morning.

“As police we are responding to make sure that we assist areas that are being affected. We are aware of the march or the motorcade that will take place in the Putco depot in Marabastaad.

“But for them to park those trucks there and block the roads is illegal. And we are going to make sure that we respond, and we are going to act swiftly as police to make way for other motorists,” Mahamba told eNCA.

We are doing everything in our power to get traffic flowing on major routes in/ out of the city. Illegal protest by coal Truck drivers.

— Solly Msimanga (@SollyMsimanga) March 1, 2017

#TruckStrike convoy now on Pretorius Street & I don't understand Mary on @Powerfm987 #TruckDriversProtest such an incovenience. Nxa! 😑 pic.twitter.com/zsMIB6M81n

— Senzi Ngubane (@senzingbn) March 1, 2017

@EWNTraffic Just before 6am, Garsfontein offramp. pic.twitter.com/RPPJ0MX4dk

— Jan Griesel (@biclogic) March 1, 2017

#TruckStrike Major highways are heavily congested in and around Pretoria, truck drivers say renewable energy will lead to 30 000 job losses pic.twitter.com/auQXA4Pe2B

— KhayelihleKhumalo-James Jnr (@KhayaJames) March 1, 2017