Now that the dust has settled after the June 30 protests, it's worth reflecting on what the day meant for South Africa in general – and the road freight and logistics sector in particular.
June 30 will definitely rank as one of those days when everyone was focused on citizens across various cities and towns protesting against illegal (undocumented) foreigners and the effect they have on their daily lives.
It must be stated upfront that the fear of a repeat of the July 2021 fiasco was foremost in the minds of most businesses – especially those in the road freight and logistics sector, which were worried about staff, drivers, trucks, warehouses and stock. The experience of July 2021 is still keenly felt. While the average citizen struggled with decisions around travel, going to work or even how the roads to local shops would be affected, logistics companies were shoring up defences, deploying security and disaster response teams, and making difficult business decisions on whether to continue operating.
During the day, protesters showed that South Africans can voice their unhappiness without resorting to violence, property destruction, personal attacks or senseless acts of brutality. However, in several places in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, protesters (or opportunistic criminals) started looting shops and businesses owned by foreigners. This was both tragic and uncalled for.
What is of concern, however, is that the organisers stated that these protests would occur every Thursday until their demands had been met by government. That is concerning, as it can only lead to a heightened risk of violence should those demands or expectations not be met.
The Road Freight Association (RFA) commends the various structures, organisations and entities that worked together to ensure peaceful protests, while protecting both the right to protest and the right to continue with everyday life and business activities.
The association notes that, unlike the July 2021 episode, there was far more planning, coordination and cooperation between various sectors of society, ensuring a far better response and greater control.
We must recognise that, applaud it and reinforce it.
The country does not need to descend into another fractured hell-hole that would further damage our reputation as the Rainbow Nation, as well as drive away future investment and growth prospects.
Today (and in the days to come), the inevitable ‘counting the cost’ exercise will begin.
We have a good idea of the bill that taxpayers had to foot for the SAPS presence. Based on what transpired during the day and night, it was probably money well spent.
In the road freight and logistics sector, extra security was deployed, more surveillance teams were used and additional shifts were introduced. Some transporters doubled their vehicle deployments before the day – and may do the same for a day or two afterwards to catch up on trips that may not have taken place.
Not necessarily an extra cost here – but perhaps more overtime than normal on the days before and after.
The important point is that we have not seen burning trucks, destroyed warehouses, local retailers being looted, or general wanton looting and destruction. The cost of destruction, rebuilding, repairs and replacement will be almost non-existent. Almost.
Those who chose to hold their vehicles in depots or at safe locations en route (many transporters from neighbouring countries chose that route) operate large vehicles that cost around R4 500 a day when all fixed and operating costs are taken into account over a year. Smaller classes of vehicles cost less.
Perhaps, if the full cost of the extra security, additional shifts, extended warehousing and control, delayed trips (especially from ports or across borders), and paid days for employees told to stay at home ‘just in case’ is added up, the sector may have incurred costs of around R100 million.
The real questions remain: Will the problem of undocumented foreigners be resolved? Will the relevant laws relating to immigration, labour and employer duties be applied continuously, transparently and across all sectors and employers? Is this really about undocumented foreigners – or is something else the real problem, with this simply another symptom and a vehicle to express discontent? Will the SAPS be able to continue doing the magnificent job it did on June 30, every day, everywhere and every time?
We are thankful for the mostly peaceful manner in which the protest took place. Hopefully, those who can effect change for the better have heard.
