Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read | 8:31 pm CAT

KwaZulu-Natal communities called off a protest over excessive coal trucks on regional roads on Thursday, hours after they embarked on the protest. The decision was made after traffic congestion became problematic hours into the demonstration, which followed the protest organised by the R33/34/66 Joint Operations Committee and resulted from deadly truck accidents in the province over the past couple of weeks.

Radio Islam International spoke to the CEO of the Road Freight Association, Gavin Kelly. He expressed his sympathy to the community regarding what they were experiencing.

However, he said how they are going about expressing their displeasure is not the right thing as it is both unlawful and illegal.

“But we understand that the frustrations are quite high,” he says.

Gavin advises that the community needs to converse with the relevant people who can make a difference.

He said the events unfolding result from the authority not fulfilling their roles which is very clear.

Several actions are required to resolve the challenge. Kelly said this includes owners of transport companies ensuring that the drivers are trained and having systems in the vehicles which allow the owners to manage and monitor drivers closely on a real-time basis.

Meanwhile, the legislation is adequate; unfortunately, the issue arises from the well-written legislation not being applied and implemented.

Kelly says, “There is no real consequence for those who not adhere.”

Gavin has expressed concerns about the communities acting like vigilantes regarding the situation.

He said the initial concerns surround the type of escalation of tempers between various bodies.

Listen to the interview with Aanisah Essack and Gavin Kelly on Radio Islam’s podcast below.