Civic Movement Tshwane Bahlali Dudula Join Forces with ATDF ASA to March on DSV Logistics, Advocating for Fair Employment Practices and Youth Opportunities.
The civic movement and anti-migrant group Tshwane Bahlali Dudula have joined forces with the ATDF ASA representing truck drivers, to initiate a march to DSV Logistics in Rosslyn. With their compelling slogan, “Youth unemployment is a ticking time bomb,” articulates their unified objective: advocating for youth employment, fair treatment of employees, and the expulsion of illegal immigrants from the company.
Tshwane Bahlali Dudula proclaims, ‘The time has come to rise and reclaim what is rightfully ours!’ Their objective: to challenge the underpayment of drivers, unfair dismissal of at least 60 drivers, racism, and favoritism.
When questioned about the recent strike, Michael Maleka, the General Secretary and Founder of Tshwane Bahlali Dudula, responded, “We’ve sent three letters to them previously, and we haven’t received any response. Only after we released the recent poster about the upcoming march did they decide to respond, attempting to halt the march and requesting a meeting.
“I visited the police station yesterday and had a conversation with the station commander, informing him not to be surprised by our actions. We chose not to apply for permission for the march, as we have marched numerous times to the president and his office without seeing any results.”
“We march every day, sending letters, yet we receive no responses. We visited Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s office regarding illegal immigrants but to no avail. That’s why we’ve come directly here to ensure this matter is addressed.”
Sidwell Mgenge, Chairperson of the truck driver’s forum and association ATDF ASA, elucidated the situation, stating, “The issue at DSV lies within the management.”
“You see, we have our members at DSV. In December, the company was supposed to pay the drivers their dues. However, the company failed to do so. When the drivers complained, the company assured them they would be paid in January. But when they returned to work in January, the company still didn’t pay them.”
“They escalated matters by bringing in another white individual with a polygraph machine to verify the drivers’ complaints about unpaid salaries. In response, we took decisive action, swiftly shutting down operations.” Said Mgenge.
“I believe it’s been about three weeks since we initiated the shutdown alongside them. Today, we attempted to meet with the management to address the issue, but they refused to engage with us, claiming they couldn’t speak to us while the drivers were still waiting for their overdue salaries.”
“We insisted, stating that they cannot simply ignore their responsibility to the employees who work for them; they must pay them. We delivered a memorandum to the head office of DSV, but when we reached out to them, they dismissed us as if they were unfamiliar with our concerns.” Added Mgenge.
Mgenge further recounted that when the management of DSV Logistics arrived and bluntly stated, “We’re too occupied to entertain your actions,. We’ll address this matter at a later time.
” The representative informed us that we were not permitted to speak with HR, the finance department, or any other personnel.
“We were instructed to return the next day, which we did, and we also sent SMSs and emails. However, we received no response or attention, and it’s been more than 7 days now.”
Mgenge further alluded that allegedly, the DSV Logistics company is government-owned and has faced numerous complaints in the past regarding the treatment of its workers.
“One such complaint is that when they finish work late, they are forced to sleep at the Total garage in Rosslyn because the company does not allow them near the yard.” He added.
