Truck Drivers Block Off N3 Van Reenen Pass In KZN in Alleged Protest Against Employment of Foreign Nationals

• Truck drivers in KwaZulu-Natal have created a massive backlog on the N3 at Van Reenen Pass which the South African Police Service is trying to clear
• The police say they are not sure why the truck drivers have decided to close off the major road by parking across it
• South Africans are seemingly proud of the truck drivers for taking a stand as it seems they are protesting over the hiring of foreign nationals

VAN REENEN - The South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal is attempting to a large backlog of trucks on the N3 Van Reenen Pass on Friday, 3 December.

The Tugela Toll Plaza has also been forced to close due to the truck roadblock. It is currently unclear what is the reason behind the blockade is.

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SABC News reports that the blockade started in the early hours of the morning. The truck drivers are said to have parked their trucks and many have taken the keys out of the ignition.

The truck drivers blocked both sides of the Van Reenen pass, according to SAPS spokesperson Jay Naicker. SAPS is trying to get the truck drivers to remove their vehicles.

Truck drivers protesting against employment of foreign nationals

The South African Cargo Transport Drivers Association issued a statement alleging that the truck drivers have blocked the road in protest over foreign national truck drivers, reports SABC News.

SACTDA president Daniel Mofokeng says the South African government has not done anything to address the increasing unemployment rate.

He says foreign nationals are behind the unemployment rate and they are being protected by the government.

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The N3 is the main road that connects Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal and motorists have been advised to stay clear of that road, for now, reports News24.

"We’re advising people to avoid that area traffic that is backed up in that area is currently being diverted to alternative routes," says Naicker.

Without confirmation at the time, Twitter account @TrafficSA alleged that the truck blockade is due to protests.

Take a look at what South Africans have to say about the alleged truck protest:

@gareth_tindall said:

"Manufacturers come to a standstill as well, well-done guys ."

@SirlambertM said:

"What's the reason behind this protest?"

@AzaniaR1 said:

"SA truck drivers are our heroes #PutSouthAfricansfirst"

@Nduski3 said:

"But honestly, though… this has been happening for years. Government must establish a TRT (military grade) to keep the N3 running and sweep all these thugs away."

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Truck drivers on the N3 fear for their lives

In other news, Briefly News previously reported that as threats of a second wave of unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng continue to circulate, truck drivers who usually operate on the N3 highway are said to be fearful for their lives.

While truck drivers fear that they may be targeted again as they were during the first unrest that happened in July, they have stated that they will continue to work, according to a report by SABC News.

One truck driver, Skhosana Mathiyane, told the publication that he was scared for his life does not feel safe. He added that during the previous unrest, he was forced to stay in Durban because the N3 was shut down.

Source: Briefly News