SA LOCKS OUT 6 000 EMASWATI

MBABANE - Locked out!

This is what about 6 000 emaSwati are experiencing as South Africa has made it clear that the republic will not allow anyone to cross the border into the neighbouring country unless they are SA nationals. This is despite that SA has eased its lockdown which has resulted in some industries being operational. There are many emaSwati working and studying in SA, who came back to the kingdom after the republic announced a full lockdown in March. South Africa eventually eased its lockdown on May 1. Now that neighbouring SA has effected level four of its lockdown, which saw the operation of some schools and other businesses, some emaSwati have to report back to work or school in SA. However, this has proved to be a mammoth task.

They have, in the past days, requested government’s intervention as they alleged intentions of using illegal routes to get to the other side of the border were thwarted by vigilant army personnel, adding that they were avoiding putting the country’s name into disrepute, should they be caught. Those going to work stated that their main fear was the possibility of losing their jobs, as they strongly believed their bosses would not let their businesses remain non-operational while awaiting their return to the republic. One of the main sectors which has been affected are truck drivers.

“We have had a number of our colleagues lose their jobs during the recent strike in the trucking industry and we will also experience the same if we do not cross to the other side of the border soon,” remarked one truck driver. Sikhumbuzo Mkhulisi, another driver, explained that it was not only them who were in trouble as even those who did not come back home when the lockdown was effected were bound to face arrest, having exceeded their 30-day limit in SA unless they had reported this predicament to the Home Affairs Ministry in that country.
It is not only the truck drivers who have been affected, as another employee in the construction industry lamented over the situation.

“My colleagues have been calling me, asking when I’ll return to work. I no longer have an answer for them. It’s been almost two weeks since we have been requested to return to work but no assistance has been forthcoming,” he said. So serious is the need to cross the border that five truck drivers were arrested while trying to use an informal crossing to get to SA in Mahamba. 

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: