Last Friday saw the official
launch of a new trucking
association that has officially
put itself forward as the
representative of the “little
guy” in the road freight
transport industry.
“The Truckers’ Association
of South Africa (Tasa) is
fighting to be the voice of the
sector, particularly for the
previously disadvantaged
truckers who are emerging
in this sector,” Tasa convener
Mary Phadi told guests at
the launch in Johannesburg.
“Our aim is to streamline
the value chain to benefit
all members of Tasa,” she
said, noting that this would
be achieved through Tasa’s
partnership with wholly
black-owned mutual
bank VBS, which she said
would reduce red tape and
improve access to finance
for young, black and female
transporters.
Members of Tasa would
be encouraged to bank with
VBS, said Phadi, pointing
out that the new association
would provide assistance
to its members by only
making use of black-owned
businesses along the entire
transport value chain. This
includes panel beaters, banks
as well as companies in the
insurance, bookkeeping,
tracking and towing fields,
among others.
Coal Transport Forum
representative, Steve
Mokwana, pointed out that
when members were in need
of advice or assistance at any
point along the transport
value chain they could request
this from any member of the
database of verified blackowned
businesses which
would be compiled by Tasa.
“We are going to appoint
black-owned companies that
will be able to supply diesel
to our members,” added
Phadi. She noted that this
would enable the association
to dictate the rates that
members would pay for fuel,
“as owners of smaller fleets
were more likely to be taken
advantage of by suppliers”.
Members are required to
pay a R10 000 once-off fee.
However Phadi pointed out
that “a plan” could be made
for those unable to afford it.
The Department
of Transport (DoT)
added its support to the
formation of Tasa, with
deputy minister Sindisiwe
Chikunga highlighting the
association as a vehicle for
transformation within the
sector.
Mary Phadi, Truckers’ Association of South Africa convener.
