Zikalala: Truck operators must prioritise employment of SA drivers

Zikalala: Truck operators must prioritise employment of SA drivers

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala says South Africans will be prioritised for employment in the truck industry. 

Alrode Trucks burned
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Operators have committed to creating at least 400 new jobs. 


An emergency meeting was held with key stakeholders on Friday, after a string violent protests and attacks on truckers in the country.  


A number of vehicles in the province were torched


The dispute is over the employment of foreign nationals in the trucking industry. 


Addressing the media in Durban on Sunday, Zikalala said they reached an agreement with stakeholders. They'll clampdown on workers without permits. 


READ: Zikalala: Not local gov's call to impose stricter restrictions


"We agreed that the truck operators must with immediate effect prioritise the employment of South African drivers. We will soon together with national government mount an intensive operation along N2, N3 and N11 route in KwaZulu-Natal targeting drivers without proper permits. 


"Every foreign national who is currently driving a South African registered truck must be appropriately licensed and hold a valid permit."


Zikalala says disruptions are now a thing of the past, thanks to a commitment from drivers. 


And on the topic of the matric exam paper leaks - the Premier issued a warning to those involved. 


READ: Concerns over spike in COVID-19 cases in KZN


"They will regret the day they ever conceived such despicable and uncivilised thoughts."


Maths and Physical Science Paper 2 were among the papers confirmed to have been leaked by Education officials. Zikalala says they're trying to get to the bottom of this. 


"We want to assure the public that we are doing everything possible to safeguard and preserve the quality and integrity of these examinations by eradicating the risk of exam papers being leaked."


READ: Cop allegedly kills man in Durban road rage incident

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