In light of the current unrest amongst Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers, the Road Freight Association (RFA) expresses its concern regarding the disruption and potential harm caused to citizens and businesses. This media release serves as a direct response to the recent actions that have impacted the daily lives and operations within the Ekurhuleni region, and underscores the RFA’s stance on the necessity for a swift and peaceful resolution.
The Road Freight Association (RFA) reminds the EMPD of their mandate and duty to ensure that citizens and businesses within their area of influence can ply their lives and businesses safely, without hindrance and with protection from unlawful actions – well, that is what we hoped the focus of the EMPD would be.
It is unacceptable to take matters that are under discussion to the streets, where members of the public are subjected to emotional stress, possible employment ramifications and operational impacts on businesses.
Road freight runs to tight schedules, with many perishable cargos having very strict delivery requirements. Again, many other cargoes have manufacturing deadlines, shipping deadlines and retail constraints.
On top of this, are the effect on employees (in taxis, busses and own transport) who could not fulfill their tasks.
Finally – how many emergency vehicles (police, ambulances, fire and rescue and hospital blood / organ services) have been prevented from performing their functions?
The Association understands factors relating to employer / employee relations, and requests both parties to resolve these matters as speedily as possible – without negatively affecting the lives of innocent citizens who are far removed from this matter.
By Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association
