Trucking sector representatives expressed their disappointment with the government’s inadequate response to the attacks on trucks along major transportation routes. These attacks have severe consequences for jobs and the economy. On Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal, several trucks were set on fire, resulting in the closure of the N3 toll route. The industry estimated that the cost of damaged trucks and trailers from these recent attacks alone could exceed R100 million, not to mention the much higher value of the destroyed cargo.
Abdul Kamdar from KDG Logistics highlighted the significant costs involved, stating that the value of the trucks could range from R3 million to R5 million, while the value of the cargo for clients could surpass R12 million. Kamdar explained that if the cargo is destroyed, operators are responsible for covering the expenses, which can drive small and medium-sized operators out of business. He further emphasized that the impact extends beyond the trucking companies themselves. For example, transporting cars from Durban to Gauteng costs around R3,000 per car with minimal profit margins. When the cargo is burnt, operators bear the entire financial burden, leading to potential business closures.
Gavin Kelly, the CEO of the Road Freight Association, highlighted the broader implications of these attacks. Approximately 7,000 container deliveries are made through South African ports daily, with the Port of Durban handling around 4,000 containers per day. Any delays on the N3 corridor would result in backlogs and disruptions to imports and exports. Kelly stated that trucking companies incur costs ranging from R5,000 to R7,500 per day for each truck delayed, depending on the vehicle configuration. Therefore, a one-day delay for the 7,000 vehicles affected along the N3 corridor and various entry points could result in an estimated revenue loss of around R35 million.
Kelly stressed that those responsible for attacking trucks must understand the long-term consequences. Continued attacks will have a devastating impact on employment levels, leading to job losses as businesses and supporting sectors contract, and trade shifts away from South Africa.
While some members of the trucking industry mentioned ongoing grievances regarding the employment of foreign truck drivers, it is uncertain whether the drivers of the burnt trucks were foreigners. Industry players also noted that the attacks may not solely stem from employment disputes, but could involve infighting over cargo as well.
All trucking associations, including the All Truck Drivers Forum (ATDF) and the South African Truckers Association (Sata), distanced themselves from the attacks and emphasized the need for legal action to be taken. They stated that although they advocate for the welfare of truck drivers and the resolution of industry issues, they condemn these acts of violence.
Mary Padi from Sata expressed disappointment that the 11-point plan presented to address industry issues following the torchings in Mooi River in 2021 had not been implemented despite the establishment of a task team at that time.
Some of the measures of the inter-Ministerial Task Team’s 11-point plan are: facilitating the appointment of the task team; enforcement of the visa requirements; the need for consideration of all foreign driving licences; and registration and compliance with labour laws; among other measures.
Briefly mentioning the truck torchings yesterday was South African Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.
