The All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA) has announced its support for the planned anti-illegal immigration demonstrations scheduled for 30 June.
The demonstrations have been organised by anti-illegal immigration groups, which have set the date as a deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
The forum, which represents thousands of employed and unemployed South African truck drivers, says its primary concern is the high level of unemployment within the trucking industry.
ATDF-ASA spokesperson Doctor Mkhulisi said many South African truck drivers are struggling to find employment and are calling on government to ensure that citizens are prioritised for job opportunities.
Mkhulisi indicated that truck drivers would continue working on the day of the demonstrations but would participate in activities along major transport routes.
"They are going to work, but they are going to stop along the road because we work on the road as truck drivers. Everything we want to sort out, we will sort out on the road," he said.
He stressed that the organisation supports peaceful protest action and does not condone vandalism, violence or damage to property.
Mkhulisi said frustrations among truck drivers are widespread and not limited to a single province.
"I can say all provinces will be on their toes that day because drivers are crying all over. South Africans are suffering all over, not only in KwaZulu-Natal but across the whole of South Africa," he said.
The planned demonstrations are expected to draw support from various groups advocating for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and increased employment opportunities for South African citizens.