The Southern African Development Community -SADC- Truck Drivers Association has called for urgent diplomatic engagement following renewed tensions and hostility targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, before association members are affected.
Association President Eugene Ndlovu has regretted the happenings in that country, noting that South African companies including truckers are operating across the African region and are being supported by citizens from neighboring countries, making it important for all parties to carefully consider the broader implications of the tensions.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Ndlovu has since urged SADC leaders to urgently meet and provide direction on the way forward through dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation in order to preserve peace and regional integration.
He is concerned that failure to quickly resolve this matter could cause disruptions in the transport sector, particularly, cross-border truck drivers operating within the SADC region.
In recent years, South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic attacks, with foreign nationals, including truck drivers, traders and workers often accused of taking jobs from locals and contributing to crime.
-Phoenix FM