Truck drivers cause chaos in Pretoria in protest over independent power producers
The Coal Transportation Forum insists its members are not blocking traffic, merely making their way slowly to the Union Buildings
Protesting truck drivers blocked highways leading into Tshwane on Wednesday, causing chaos for early-morning commuters. Tshwane Metro Police were deployed to deal with the gridlock. Several coal tipper-trucks were involved in the protest. EWN reported that the Coal Transportation Forum had organised a protest in Pretoria related to independent power producer contracts. Sphiwe Motla‚ a councillor from Shoshanguve‚ said he had been sitting in traffic for an 90 minutes and there was no sign that the situation would improve. "The trucks are just standing the middle of the road. I’ve passed two trucks but there are eight in front of me and I can’t see past that‚" he said. Motla said the trucks were driving at no more than 20km/h. Some truck drivers left their vehicles in the middle of the road. "The driver is [getting] in and out of his truck‚ just doing things deliberately for the convoy not to move‚" he said. "One guy insulted him‚ very angry. Everybody was very angry‚ even taxi driver...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.