Cargo transiting through Zambia could come to a standstill from December 16 if various long-distance transport unions representing foreign national drivers proceed with threatened labour action against the government of President Hakainde Hichilema.
Correspondence sent to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) headquarters in Gaborone states that a “truck stoppage” will come into effect, impacting all Zambia’s borders.
It is understood that the intended labour action is born out of resistance to the government in Lusaka tightening immigration control, including stricter deportation measures.
At the heart of the matter is the apparent renewal of new transport visas, which will only be re-issued to current 90-day visa holders who have exhausted their visa periods by the end of the year.
It appears that, essentially, only long-distance drivers eligible for new visas can reapply to continue driving through Zambia – at a cost of ZMK15 000.
The equivalent cost is more than 500 US dollars (R10 000+), and has rendered many drivers incapable of complying.
The letter sent to SADC states: “There shall be no trucks crossing borders between Zambia and neighbouring countries because we don’t have ZMK15 000.”
The letter was sent out on behalf of seven different unions: the Professional Drivers Union of Malawi, United Truck Drivers of South Africa, Truck Drivers Union, Zimbabwe Truck Drivers Trade Union, Associação de Camionistas de Moçambique, United Southern Africa Truckers Association and ZIM-Namibia-Zambia Corridor Drivers.
The letter furthermore states that although the laws of Zambia are respected, all people should be treated equally, “regardless of nationality, religion, race or tribe”.
