A second, violent wave of xenophobia last month saw at least three cross-border transport operators forced to close their doors, with drivers fearing for their lives and customers opting for “safer” port options like Walvis Bay and the Port of Beira. FTW was unable to contact the other two cross border operators for comment but did speak to Adrian Friend, MD of Celtic Freight, who confirmed that it had taken the 18 days of no freight movements to and from Zambia to make the decision to park its fleet of trucks and cease all operations with immediate effect. The company (which has been operating for 23 years) said the threat of xenophobic violence, with no visible security measures taken by the South African Police Services, took a “hard toll”. “I can only beg South Africa to take a good hard look at its security situation coupled with the series of pompous Customs measures which seemingly aim to discourage transit cargo via Durban Port,” said Friend. He told FTW that Celtic had hired buses and arranged for the safe repatriation all of its Zambian drivers, pointing out that the company had always “proudly employed” Zambian drivers. “It is perfectly legal, and logical, considering our trucks have to collect RSA exports and deliver throughout Zambia,” highlighted Friend, adding that the senseless xenophobia had left everyone at Celtic in fear of their lives. “Celtic remained a prime target in all the social media threats and ramblings as we proudly flew the Zambian flag high,” he added, pointing out that the company did not want to be placed in the difficult situation of having to employ armed guards and security. “Violence only begets violence.” Road Freight Association CEO Gavin Kelly previously told FTW that many crossborder transport operators employed foreign drivers, mostly for use on neighbouring legs of the journey to Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe etc. “This is because they speak the language and know the road conditions and regulations better,” he explained.
I can only beg South Africa to take a good hard look at its security situation. – Adrian Friend
