“As the late former President Nelson Mandela himself said – ‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.’ It is extremely fitting that this quote came from the great man himself as he himself embodied this very ideal.  In his mission to fight for a better life for all South Africans, he helped to create an environment in which labour relations, including that within the road freight and logistics industry, could improve,” says June Dube, Chairman of the NBCRFLI Board.
 
“As we reflect on the remarkable legacy left behind by the late Nelson Mandela, the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI) wishes to thank him for the instrumental role he played in paving the way towards an establishment of a national bargaining council in the industry which ensures standard conditions of service and other benefits are offered to the road freight and logistics industry employees countrywide,” continues Dube.
 
In August 1994, approximately 2 000 truck drivers staged a blockade at the Mooi River toll plaza to protest their grievances. This incident pointed to the need for a national bargaining council in the industry.
 
Dennis van der Walt, the then Department of Labour’s Director of Labour Relations worked together with Tito Mboweni, the then Minister of Labour in President Nelson Mandela’s cabinet at the time, to extend the scope of the bargaining council from the Witwatersrand area to the whole of South Africa.
 
“This remarkable change with the road freight and logistics industry, which occurred in 1996 under the presidency of the late former President Nelson Mandela, has resulted in an environment where the rights of all road freight and logistics industry members are protected at a national level via the enforcement of minimum standards and conditions of employment,” says Fred Meier, Vice Chairperson of the NBCRFLI Board.
 
“We wish to herald Mr Mandela for his invaluable contribution, not only to the road freight and logistics industry, but to our country at large.  Our condolences go the Mandela family at this difficult time.  We will miss you, Tata Madiba.  Rest in peace,” concludes Dube.