Protest Alert: Truck Drivers Threaten National Disruption
18 May 2024
It has been widely reported on social media that the All
Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africans (ATDFASA) plans to act on threats
of its nationwide shutdown, scheduled to commence 20/05/2024. Gugu Sokhela, the
national secretary-general of ATDFASA, has allegedly confirmed these plans,
which stem primarily from ongoing dissatisfaction over the employment of
foreign nationals, including undocumented workers, in the South African
trucking industry.
News24 reports that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has warned that lawlessness will not be tolerated. Natjoints spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said they were aware of social media posts calling for a shutdown by a group of truck drivers this week. "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," Mathe added.
While the exact level of support for planned
demonstrations in multiple provinces from 20/05/2024 has not yet been
established, applicable risks, should demonstrations materialise (likely in
the form of sporadic incidents) include intimidation, arson (including setting
trucks alight), barricading of roads, malicious damage to property,
hijacking/looting of trucks as well as potentially violent clashes between
demonstrators, foreign nationals, and authorities.
High-risk Areas for unrest would include (but are not
limited to):
·
Gauteng: Alrode (Alberton), Pretoria
Central, Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, Orange Farm, Soweto, Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane,
Soshanguve, Diepsloot, Johannesburg Central, Fordsburg, Hillbrow, Yeoville,
Berea, Rondebult, Jeppestown, Alexandra, Katlehong, Thokoza, Tembisa, Daveyton,
Olivenhoutbosch, Vosloorus, Heidelberg, Bronkhorstspruit, and Meyerton.
·
Free State: Sasolburg, Mangaung,
Heidedal, Bloemside (Bloemfontein), Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Soutpan,
Dewetsdorp, Van Stadensrus, Wepener, Harrismith, Roadside, Bloemhof, and
Warden.
·
KwaZulu-Natal: Inanda, Sydenham, Sea Cow
Lake, Clare Hills, Springfield, Kenville, KwaMashu, Mpumalanga, Ntuzuma, Durban
Central, Dundee, Richards Bay, Estcourt, Umbilo, Bayhead, Hilton, Mooi River,
Howick, Montclair, Ladysmith, Van Reenen, Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle,
Ashburton, and Cato Ridge.
·
Limpopo: Mokopane, Burgersfort Central,
Elandskraal, Polokwane, and Musina.
·
Mpumalanga: Embalenhle, Lydenburg,
Emalahleni, Bethal, Ermelo, Middelburg, Volksrust, Ogies, Standerton, Piet
Retief, and Hendrina.
·
Northern Cape: Kathu, Kimberley,
Upington, Postmasburg, Nelsierdit, Kakamas, and Keimoes.
·
Western Cape: Hawston, Hermanus,
Malmesbury, and Cape Town Central.
·
Eastern Cape: Swartkops, New Brighton,
Korsten, Markman, Coega (Gqeberha), KwaZakhele (Ibhayi), Middelburg, Cradock,
and KwaNobuhle.
·
North West: Brits and Rustenburg.
High-Risk National Roads:
·
N1, N2, N3, N4, N8, N7, N9, N17, N10, N11, and
R25.
·
Particularly high-risk areas include N3 between
Vosloorus (Gauteng) and Durban (KwaZulu-Natal), and N2 between Durban and
Richards Bay (KwaZulu-Natal).
Key Locations at Increased Risk for Unrest:
·
The Union Buildings (Government Avenue, Arcadia,
Pretoria, Gauteng)
·
Parliament of South Africa (120 Plein Street,
Cape Town Central, Western Cape)
·
Department of Transport (DoT) Head Office (159
Struben Street, Pretoria Central)
·
Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) Head
Office (Laboria House, 215 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria Central)
·
DHA Head Office (290 Johannes Ramokhoase Street,
Pretoria Central)
·
National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight
and Logistics Industry (NBCRFL) Pietermaritzburg (Polly Shorts Centre, 1
Claveshay Road, Cleland, Pietermaritzburg)
Excellerate continues to monitor the situation and will
share updates as and when they become available.