Emerging transporters from around the country gathered for the first ever Truckers Association of South Africa (TASA) National Conference, under the theme “Radically transforming the road freight sector in South Africa”.

According to TASA president, Mary Phadi the theme indicates that they are not ashamed to be associated with radical economic transformation, as they feel the majority of their people deserve a share of the road freight transport sector.

“We are organised in a way that enables us to bring change in the industry and cannot continue to be beggars,” she said.

Keynote speaker Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, echoed Phadi’s sentiment: “The majority of the people in this country are not part of the mainstream economy and this status quo cannot remain,” She praised TASA for promoting a women agenda, joining the economic endeavours and skills revolution.

Dr Dlamini-Zuma further added that, “Political freedom will not be sustained without economic freedom, therefore the economy need to be radically transformed, otherwise the country will face a bleak future.”

Levelling the playing field

Meanwhile Deputy Director-General: Manufacturing Enterprises at the Department of Public Enterprises, Kgathatso Tlhakudi noted that government has the responsibility to level the playing field as it relates to procurement in the road freight sector.

“As TASA, you know the transport sector better and are able to tell government what you want.  Even though you have a small asset base, you can leverage it to get things you want,” he said.