The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape condemns the violence and destruction of public property on national highways including the N1, N2 and N7. The majority of these incidences have been caused by truck drivers in protest of employment of foreign nationals.
Daylin Mitchell, MPP says: “Whilst truck drivers, like everyone, have the right to engage in protest action, this needs to follow due process and not negatively impact other commuters as well as the supply chain of goods in the province. It is absolutely unacceptable that truck drivers have chosen to protest by blocking vital arterial routes.”
The current Covid-19 pandemic places a responsibility on us all to carefully consider how our actions affect others and an already crippling national economy. In this case, such illegal protest action may generate excessive traffic and delaying the transport of much-needed produce and goods from suppliers to communities.
MPP Mitchell adds: “I call on law enforcement to act swiftly in bringing this issue to an end and investigate the matter thoroughly. Nobody is above the law, and no citizen has the right to invade on the rights of others in such a blatant manner.
We further urge truck drivers to abstain from criminal activity and for affected individuals to immediately report illegal behaviour to the authorities.”
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape is committed to the rule of law and ensuring a safe environment that promotes lives and livelihoods during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
