Satawu welcomes govt plans to crack down on illegal foreign truck drivers

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) has welcomed government’s plans to crack down on foreign drivers who are working in the country illegally.

The Departments of Labour, Transport, Police and Home Affairs recently announced that they may change legislation to make it tougher for non-South African workers in the sector.

It follows last month’s blockading of several national highways by striking truck drivers.

Traffic was disrupted during the strike: 

Satawu Secretary-General Jack Mazibuko says, “It is going to make a difference. I must indicate that we welcome the policy that has been proposed by the Transport Ministry to try to curb the current situation wherein some of the employers are employing 100s of foreign drivers.”

“We think the government’s response to the problem will assist us in trying to alleviate the poverty among our community by creating employment in the industry,” says Mazibuko.