Truck drivers raise concerns about employment and working conditions at safety symposium

The hiring of foreign nationals instead of South Africans, burning of trucks and working long hours for minimal pay were some of the issues that were highlighted by various truck drivers who gathered at the Birchwood Hotel for the Truck Drivers Safety Symposium which took place on Thursday and Friday.

Vusi Bhengu who represents the All-Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA) urged government to implement stricter regulations to ensure local truck drivers are prioritised by the South African trucking industry.

"Our challenges in this industry are many and one of them is them is that we are pushed and forced to work long hours for minimal pay which leads to fatigue and accidents on the roads. Another big problem which recently led to the torching of trucks across the country, is the employment of foreigners at the expense of local truck drivers," said Bhengu.

Speaking during the first day of the symposium, deputy minister of transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa indicated that the department is working on making road and rail transport more efficient in order to serve the needs of the country's ailing economy.

"Road freight operates in synergy with rail, shipping, and air transport to form an integrated, efficient logistics system. This sector not only supports our GDP but provides employment to thousands —including drivers, mechanics, and logistics personnel...Yet the road freight industry faces challenges: deteriorating infrastructure, congestion, safety risks, and rising environmental concerns. To address these, the industry is embracing innovation through fleet management technologies, data analytics, and a shift towards sustainable practices," he added.

Reacting to the challenges faced by female truck drivers, Nokuzola Chabalala from Tembisa in Ekurhuleni said in spite of the many challenges of being on the road constantly, she loves her job.

"Every job has its own set of challenges and being a woman truck driver has its own challenges, for me the biggest challenge is taking a bath at some of the truck stops which operate under deplorable conditions. Sometimes as a woman you find yourself having to find an alternative place to sleep or take a shower due to the conditions of some of the truck stops," she said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za