As renewed anti-migrant calls gain traction in South Africa, one of the sectors that is becoming a target of the inflammatory xenophobic sentiments if the tracking industry.
Lesotho trackers operating the South African routes are not spared the wrath of attacks that are more often criminally motivated than anything. This has far-reaching consequences on Lesotho’s trucking industry.
Trucking keeps the whole economy moving. From wood to plastics, steel and automotive parts, and various fabrics, trucking makes modern manufacturing possible. The technology sector, too, is continually moving computers and other digital components, both domestically and internationally.
So, when this kind of violence takes hold, everything goes haywire. Aside from the loss of vehicles, the industry is losing cargo, equipment and road infrastructure, the costs of which he estimated would easily run into millions of Maloti.
The cost to employees in losing their jobs as companies close operations, the loss of income for their families and the support network they provide (food, housing, clothing, education, health) and the impact this violence has on the communities they originate and live in, is almost impossible to calculate.
We appeal to those involved in the trucking business to take a serious look in the mirror and ask themselves: Is this all worth it?
There are suggestions that what we see or are made to believe, is a symptom of something more deep-rooted and sinister.
We appeal to all involved in the business to come clean and save lives.
