Transporters and truck drivers are calling for clarity from the Department of Transport following the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s on Sunday night urging the public to refrain from non-essential travel in the face of Covid-19 concerns.
Those who travel across African borders are particularly concerned.
However, according to transport minister Fikile Mbalula, the department is proactively looking at all ways to ensure that cross-border transport can continue, while ensuring that the virus does not spread.
“The Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) will work with border and health authorities to ensure screening of truck drivers at all inland borders that continue to allow cross-border traffic as announced by the President,” he said.
“Furthermore, C-BRTA is participating in daily co-ordination meetings for the Covid-19 pandemic at Lebombo and Beitbridge border posts and co-ordinating with stakeholders at other borders.”
The road transport agency would review its permit issuing system in the hope of discouraging any non-essential cross-border movements, he added. – Bjorn Vorster