South Africa: Further attacks on freight trucks are possible through end-December following a series of arson attacks at night on highways /update 2

Event

Further attacks on freight trucks in South Africa are possible through end-December following a series of arson attacks at night on highways since Nov. 19. Most attacks occurred on highways in the Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal provinces, including on the N3, N12, N2, R554, R59, R103, R23, and R505 highways. Several freight trucks have been shot at with small arms fire. At least two truck drivers were killed in attacks Nov. 23-25. According to the Road Freight Association (RFA), at least 30 trucks in South Africa were subject to arson attacks Nov. 19-22; several more attacks have since occurred. Police have increased their patrols of affected highways in recent weeks.

The number of attacks has declined since Dec. 1 following a statement attributed to the All Truck Drivers’ Foundation (ATDF) saying that attacks would conclude after the group had reached an understanding with authorities. Despite this, the agreement could break down should government fail to honor alleged agreements, including a reported commitment by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to clamp down on undocumented foreign nationals.

Moderate-to-severe delays are possible along impacted national highways in the weeks ahead, should attacks occur. Disruptions could impact secondary routes. Clean-up operations could result in further delays along national routes. The threat of road blockades and attacks is elevated at night.

Drivers protesting the employment of foreign nationals in the freight industry could also erect roadblocks, especially along main roads or national highways nationwide, particularly in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, North West, and Mpumalanga provinces, in the weeks ahead. Protesting drivers could engage in acts of violence against trucks and vehicles at these roadblocks. Xenophobic attacks against foreign national truck drivers are possible during roadblocks and protests. Authorities will likely increase security near any protest gatherings that materialize. Clashes between police and protesters are possible if gatherings are overly disruptive or if drivers ignore police requests to disperse.

Context

The attacks are occurring amid an increase in xenophobic sentiment in South Africa amid the economic fallout of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Groups such as the All Truck Drivers Foundation (ATDF) have previously embarked on disruptive protest action to demand an end to the alleged prevalence of foreign nationals in the local industry, particularly the employment of foreign nationals in the South African commercial transport sector.

Activists affiliated with the Put South Africans First movement have held frequent demonstrations in Gauteng Province in recent months to protest the government's failure to curb illegal immigration and alleged preferential employment opportunities that are given to foreign nationals. Other groups, such as the Umkontho weSizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) members, have looted and shuttered foreign-owned businesses on several occasions in downtown Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) condemned growing xenophobic sentiments in Durban Nov. 4. In August 2018, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report that showed that more than 200 foreign truck drivers had been killed in South Africa in the previous 12-month period.

The ATDF is a group of South African truck drivers who regularly protest the employment of foreign nationals in the trucking industry. The ATDF and allied truck drivers have embarked on several nationwide strikes through 2020 to protest the employment of foreign nationals. Since then, multiple attacks on foreign truck drivers have taken place. Violent action is meant to intimidate foreign nationals in the trucking industry, including the trucking companies that employ these nationals. According to the Labour Ministry, over 80 such attacks have been recorded since April 2020. The ATDF has repeatedly denied any involvement in the arson attacks on trucks; however, the aforementioned statement attributed to the ATDF by the chief executive of the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta) indicates clear ATDF involvement. Meanwhile, the ATDF and the South Africa National Cargo Transport Drivers Association (SANCATDRA) have called on their supporters to protest at the National Bargaining Council of the Road Freight and Logistics Industries (NBCRFLI) in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Dec. 15 over some of the aforementioned issues.

Advice

Plan for supply chain disruptions. Do not attempt to cross any roadblocks. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Contact transport companies and shipping lines as soon as possible if routing shipment through alternative ports is necessary. Exercise caution near truck terminals and ports due to possible protests and roadblocks. Allow additional time if operating within larger cities, as demonstrations and roadblocks could occur without warning. Remain in contact with local sources for updates on possible road closures.