Transnet shuts down strike action

In a statement on 14 July, Transnet said the labour court in Port Elizabeth had ordered workers to increase performance levels at the port.

On 11 July, Transnet released a statement confirming it had suspended multiple employees at the terminal “for engaging in illegal industrial action which has had a negative impact on port operations”.

Transnet workers have been protesting their dissatisfaction about promotions, said African News Agency (ANA). This has forced truck drivers to wait up to 18 hours before they can drop off or collect goods, leaving products from the automotive, citrus, meat, textiles and electronic sectors stuck in transit.

In its statement on 11 July, the company said the strike action had particularly affected its citrus and automotive customers. It said operations at the Durban Container Terminal have also been affected by equipment failure and a high-level of absenteeism. A decline in performance levels at the Cape Town Container Terminal has been noted.

Transnet said that operational performance at Ngqura had improved since the suspensions, while performance levels at the Cape Town and Durban container terminals had also improved.

Transnet acting group chief executive Mohammed Mahomedy said the company was aware of the problems the go-slow protest had caused for various industries across the country.

“We are working around the clock to find solutions, including prioritizing urgent cargo. We are also continuing to refine our contingency plans in order to minimize the impact to the economy,” Mr Mahomedy said.

By Rebecca Jeffrey