Gay Transport has announced it’s closing shop after 57 years of trucking in South Africa citing the devastating effects of the Covid-19 lockdown and political unrest in the country.
The Brakpan-based trucking company informed its employees, customers and suppliers about its closure in a statement.
“We thank you for your patience while we were busy negotiating with the potential buyer. Unfortunately, we could not reach an agreement that suits both parties,”
“It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that I have to inform all stakeholders that we have no other option but to close the company,” said Gay Transport owner, Jacques Botha.
Gay Transport is one of the oldest transport companies in the market that has been serving the transport industry for 57 years after opening its doors in 1965.
“Following the current market conditions, the effects of Covid lockdown, and political unrest in the country we are not able to keep up with the increase in operational costs,” said Botha.
The trucking industry has been operating on the edge following sporadic unrest that has seen trucks being torched and looted.
Other trucking businesses which ceased operations recently, including Massyn Vervoer, cited unrest, targeted truck attacks, unfavourable operating conditions, the weak state of the economy, and the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown for their decision to quit.
ATDF-ASA has been at the forefront of the campaign to have foreigners removed from the trucking industry organising road blockades which negatively affected the country’s economy. In some instances, trucks and their cargo were torched by individuals demanding foreigners be dropped in favour of citizens.
“I would like to thank all customers, suppliers and employees for their great support, hard work, and loyalty over the years,” Botha said.
It is a sad day for the trucking and logistics industries as the closure of such a big and well-established business will lead to job losses for many. The ripple effect of Gay Transport closure will see their suppliers also suffer massively as their source of income vanishes into thin air right in front of their eyes.
