LAST WEEK'S TOP STORIES ON FTW ONLINE

Roadfreight industry prepares for strike action The Road Freight Association has called on its members to prepare for strike action following a deadlock in wage negotiations with unions earlier this month. A strike notice has been issued and workers will go on strike on September 24. R20 000 fine sends strong road safety message The Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court sentenced a driver to a fine of R20 000 this week, sending a strong message to other motorists on compliance with the law. Is South Africa being screwed by China? Is South Africa being screwed by China? asks Mike Poverello’s blog. In recent days there have been mutterings amongst several business commentators concerning the state of the South African manufacturing sector and its inability to compete in the local economy in the face of ‘so-called’ cheap imports, he said. Biggest deficit since 2008 – Reserve Bank South Africa’s current account deficit widened to 6.4% of gross domestic product, its biggest since 2008, said the Reserve Bank. Radioactive material shipped as normal airfreight Norway’s Department of Transport (DoT) has asked the Civil Aviation Authority and the Institute for Energy Technology for clarification on why commercial airlines are routinely used to ship plutonium fissile material in and out of the country, reports Lloyds Loading List.