June 30 will definitely rank as one of those days when everyone was focussed on citizens across various cities and towns protesting the problem of illegal (undocumented) foreigners and the effect these have on their daily lives.

It must be clearly stated upfront – that the fear of a repetition of the July 2021 fiasco was foremost in the minds of most businesses – especially the road freight logistics sector who were worried about staff, drivers, trucks, warehouses and stock. The experience of July 2021 is still keenly felt. Whilst the average citizen struggled with decisions around travel, going to work or even how the roads to local shops would be affected, logistics companies were shoring up defences, manoeuvring security and disaster response teams and making hard business decisions on whether to continue operating, or not.

During the day, protestors showed that South Africans can voice (display) their unhappiness / displeasure with circumstances without resorting to violence, property destruction, personal attacks or senseless acts of brutality. However, in several places in Gauteng and KZN, protesters (or opportunistic criminals) started looting shops and businesses owned by foreigners. This was both tragic and uncalled for.

What is somewhat of concern, is that the organisers stated that these protests would occur every Thursday until their demands had been met (by government). That is of concern as this can only lead to a heightened risk of violence should the “demands / expectations” not be met.

The Road Freight Association (RFA) commends the various structures, organisations and entities that combined to ensure that there were peaceful protests, with the rights of protest equally protected alongside the right to continue with everyday life and the activities related to that.

South African Police Services (SAPS), various security firms, community forums and organisations and the organisers of the various marches and protests all played a role in ensuring peace and stability.

The Association notes that , as opposed to the July 2021 episode, there was far more planning, coordination and cooperation between various sectors of society to ensure a far better response – and thereby, control.

We must recognise that. Applaud that. Reinforce that.

The country does not need to descend into another fractured hell-hole that would further destroy our reputation as the Rainbow Nation, as well as chase away any future investment and growth prospects.

Today (and in the days to come) – the inevitable “counting the cost” exercise will begin.

We have a good idea of the bill that the taxpayer had to “foot” for the SAPS presence. Based on what transpired over the day and night - probably good money well spent.

In the road freight and logistics sector, extra security was laid on, more surveillance teams and more shifts. Some transporters had doubled their vehicle applications before today – and may do the same for a day or two after to “catch up” on trips that may not have happened today.

Not necessarily an extra cost here – but perhaps more overtime than normal on the days before and after.

The important point is:  we have not seen burning trucks, destroyed warehouses, local retailers being looted and general wanton looting and destruction. That figure related to destruction, rebuilding, repair and replacement will be almost non-existent. Almost.

Those who chose to hold their vehicles in depots or along safe places en route (there were many of our neighbouring country transporters who chose that route) – their large vehicles cost around R4 500 a day (when you add all the fixed and operational costs into the mix over a period of a year). Smaller classes of vehicles are less.

Perhaps, if you add the full cost of all the extra security, extra shifts, extended warehousing and control, delayed trips (especially from ports or across borders), paid days for employees told to stay at home (just in case) – the sector may have incurred a hundred million rand, or so.

The real questions remain: will the problem of undocumented foreigners be resolved? Will the relevant laws relating to immigration, labour and employer duties be applied – continuously, transparently and across all sectors and employers? Is this really about undocumented foreigners – or is something else the real problem and this is just another of the “symptoms” and a vehicle to express discontent? Will the SAPS be able to continue doing the (magnificent) job it did on 30 June, everyday, everywhere, every time?

We are thankful for the mostly peaceful manner in which the protest was done. Hopefully those that can affect change (for the better) have heard.

God Bless Afrika. God Bless Her people.

Without Trucks, South Africa (and Afrika) Stops

By Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association