Zimbabwe Transporters Cry Out for Rescue: Save Our Industry

The Zimbabwe Indigenous Road Transporters Association (ZIRTA) has called the government to intervene and save the transport industry, which they claim is being pushed out by foreign transporters. ZIRTA chairman Simon Gambiza expressed concerns over the industry’s challenges and requested the President’s assistance in enforcing the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act.

Gambiza highlighted that despite several engagements with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development, their concerns have fallen on deaf ears. He urged the President to rescue the industry, citing the need for 100% enforcement of the indigenization and economic act.

Speaking during a press briefing held in Harare on Wednesday, the association rejected a joint statement from the two ministries, which they claim conflicts with the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act. ZIRTA argues that foreign transporters are not contributing to skills transfer and are instead disrupting the supply chain, controlling the movement of cargo, and benefiting from Zimbabwean drivers’ skills.

Gambiza emphasized the need for urgent action, requesting a stakeholder meeting to address the damage caused to the industry. He warned that allowing foreign transporters to invest in the haulage sector without special permits would further exacerbate the situation, potentially causing irreparable damage.