Just News |
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed grave concern on the torching of trucks on SA roads in recent weeks spanning the Provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, with earlier incidents reported in Gauteng.
Chikunda said this is the criminality that will not be tolerated. “These criminals are committing an act of economic sabotage, which must attract the harshest penalties permissible in law”.
‘The ability of trucks to transport freight is an enabler of economic activity and trade with other markets, which is critical for our economy, as the road freight transports in excess of 80% of all our cargo.” Chikunga further elaborated.
The road traffic law enforcement authorities, working under the coordination of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) continue to work closely with other law enforcement authorities to maintain maximum vigilance and to bring perpetrators to book.
Chikunga added that the government has also provided a platform of engagement for any party aggrieved by working conditions in the road freight industry and progress is being made in addressing the issues on the table. The Ministry continues to work as part of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to address the challenges facing the sector.
