14 Jun 2020

 The Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo says it is inappropriate to discriminate against truck drivers during the ongoing efforts of containing COVID-19.

The minister said this recently at Tlokweng kgotla when handing donations to be distributed among schools at Tlokweng.

 He said truck drivers’ role during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was crucial as they ferry goods to and from the country.

 The area MP said it was not a mistake that the government declared them essential service, adding that this was done in consideration of their work.

 He said good such as food, medicine and other daily necessities of life were transported by various truck drivers into the country hence the need for them to have access into the country.

Therefore, he said it was unfortunate that some community members had chosen to castigate the drivers, accusing them of transmitting the virus in the country.

 He assured the residents that all truck drivers were tested upon entry into the country to safeguard the drivers and the community.

Mr Segokgo cautioned those who spoke badly about the truck drivers to think about their value in the supply of food and services in the country, adding that without truck drivers there would be shortage of medicine and food in the country.

 Further, Tlokweng MP advised that the community should continue to be cautious of the coronavirus.

 He said as the country continued to lift some restrictions, it does so with the advice of health professionals it did not mean the country was totally free.

 Mr Segokgo said the escalating cases of COVID-19 in South Africa should is an indication for the local community to be on guard.

He said the evidence of imported cases was a clear sign of that the country was not free yet.

 Batlokwa Kgosi Kgolo, Kgosi Puso said COVID-19 pandemic had changed the way the community lived and interacted.

He said going forward, hygienic standards such as frequent washing of hands would be the new normal. Ends