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Attacks on trucks aimed at destabilising the economy: Satawu

todayJuly 12, 2023 75

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The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) has slammed the recent attacks on trucks, describing them as sabotage tactics aimed at destabilising the country’s economy.
The union says the road freight industry is one of the biggest sectors that contributes billions of rands to the economy.
The union has also raised concern over the safety of its members within the sector, saying these attacks show that truck drivers are not safe at all in this country.
Two more trucks were torched in Empangeni on Monday night, just hours after at least 15 trucks were set alight in separate incidents.
Satawu Spokesperson, Amanda Tshemese, says they are concerned as to what could be fueling these attacks.

 

While no arrests have been made, police say they will monitor areas they suspect to be hotspots.

Affected areas so far include Empangeni, in KwaZulu-Natal, and Sekhukhune, in Limpopo.

Tshemese says Satawu wants government to urgently address the issue and for the perpetrators to be dealt with harshly.

 

         Intelligence structure needed

New kid in the political block, RISE Mzansi, is calling for the activation of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure in order to quickly address these attacks.

The party says these seemingly coordinated attacks require a systems leadership approach that brings together different government departments and agencies working towards a single proactive and coordinated plan.

RISE Mzansi Chief Organiser National Communication Director, Mabine Seabe, says the Department of Labour and Employment, the Department of Transport, and the National Treasury are some of the departments who should play a role in dealing with the scourge.

Young people have on the other hand questioned what the point behind these attacks could be.

They’ve also raised concerns that the burning of trucks will drag the country’s economy further down, while also hitting hard the pockets of millions of South Africans who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Yires say, considering how competitive this very industry is, measures should be introduced to ensure that drivers are protected.

 

Written by: Nokwazi Qumbisa

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