Following a warning from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) that there will be zero tolerance for disruptions on the roads as elections are getting closer, the All-Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA) confirmed that they have temporarily suspended their planned national shutdown.

UNFAIR LABOUR PRACTICES 

The truck drivers are accusing the Department of Labour of ignoring unfair labour practices in the freight industry, including the hiring of foreign nationals. The truckers had threatened cause major traffic disruptions and take over busy routes this morning. ATDF-ASA national secretary, Gugu Sokhela, said they had a meeting with the labour department and decided to suspend the shutdown since law enforcement would be on high alert. "We have had some commitments from those two departments, which is Home Affairs and the Department of Labour. There is a plan from today that will be put into place, so we have temporarily suspended."

"WON'T TOLERATE DISRUPTIONS"

The chairperson of the Natjoints, Tebello Mosikili ,said that the police would remain on high alert to prevent any disruptions. "Law enforcement agencies are on high alert to ensure there are no criminal activities and that law-abiding citizens are not inconvenienced in any way. We call on the road freight industry workers to communicate their grievances within the confines of the law."

Yesterday Mosikili added that, "There will be zero tolerance towards threats, intimidation and closure of our roads."