Zim Ministry Of Transport Fires Warning Shots Over ZEP Non-Renewal For Truck Drivers

Zimbabwe Ministry of Transport has warned South Africa to respect bilateral and regional protocols that bind the two countries.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Eng. T.K. Chinyanga who is the Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development under Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Transport asked his counterpart to be wary of a volatile situation that may destabilise cross-border transportation.

The letter reads:

Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade

Att: Ambassador. J. Manzou
REF: NON-RENEWAL OF WORK PERMITS FOR ZIMBABWEAN TRUCK DRIVERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Reference is made to the above-mentioned subject matter.

The Ministry has received concerning reports on the imminent non-renewal of work permits for Zimbabwean truck drivers in South Africa.

Over the years, we have dealt with sporadic situations where trucks were stopped, and foreign drivers attacked by violent gangs in South Africa.

In many of these instances your esteemed office has been of great assistance, and we sincerely appreciate your support.

South African companies who have contracted foreigners as drivers are now under pressure to employ their nationals.

Consequently, this will lead to possible termination of employment contracts of Zimbabwean drivers if their work permits are not renewed.

This is a major concern for our truck drivers and transport operators as our bilateral and regional protocols provide that cross-border road transport must be conducted in the spirit of fair competition, providing for equal treatment, and upholding the principles of non-discrimination and reciprocity.

These protocols are meant to facilitate the smooth flow of cross-border traffic and promote trade within the SADC and COMESA regions.

It is important to note that truck drivers are also key drivers of our economies within SADC, therefore must be treated with dignity, and protected by every country in the region.

Therefore, we kindly request your intervention and use the diplomatic channels at your disposal to avert a potentially volatile situation.

Once again, we thank you in advance for your usual support.

Eng. T.K. Chinyanga
Secretary for Transport and Infrastructural Development.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT PERMANENT SECRETARY

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Meanwhile, in Zambia, truck drivers working for Briskfast Trading have maintained that they will not release the trucks they are holding until they are given their money.

The drivers downed tools over a week ago and demanded that the company pay their severance packages and all the owed allowances then send South African drivers to collect the trucks.