From the Editor’s Desk
June 12, 2026
One of the greatest weaknesses of modern politics is that too many politicians no longer experience the consequences of their own decisions. Whether it is war in the Middle East, trade disputes, failing infrastructure, policy paralysis or poor service delivery, those making the decisions are often insulated from the fallout. Businesses and ordinary citizens are not.
The consequences of political decisions – or lack thereof – ripple far beyond the political arena. Investment decisions are delayed, expansion plans are shelved and economic growth slows. While politicians continue debating ideology, businesses are forced to navigate the fallout. Few sectors illustrate this better than trucking. The road freight industry sits at the heart of the economy, moving everything from food and fuel to medicines and manufacturing inputs. When economic activity slows, freight volumes decline. When infrastructure deteriorates, transport costs rise. When policy uncertainty discourages investment, fewer goods need to be moved.
Take the on-going instability in the Middle East. Every escalation sends shockwaves through global energy markets and pushes fuel prices higher. For the trucking industry, fuel is one of the largest operating costs. A conflict taking place thousands of kilometres away can quickly affect transport rates, delivery costs and ultimately the price of goods on South African shelves. The good news, however, is that according to USA President Donald Trump, the war ended last week – or wait, was it the week before? No, but it is definitely going to end yesterday, or perhaps tomorrow – or even tonight – but probably last night. Aaaaargh!!!!
The response of political leaders to such crises often highlights just how disconnected they have become from life on the ground. Political calculations, election considerations and ideological battles frequently take precedence over the practical impact their decisions have on businesses and consumers. South Africa is hardly immune from this problem. Many readers will remember President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Johannesburg ahead of the G20 Summit, after which he remarked that the city’s condition was “not pleasing”. For those who live and work in Johannesburg every day, that reality had been evident for years. It took a rare visit from the country’s leader for the obvious to become his reality.
The same pattern is evident across a range of issues. Illegal immigration, service delivery failures, deteriorating infrastructure and corruption have all generated growing public frustration. In many cases, political action only seems to occur once public pressure reaches a boiling point. The trucking industry has experienced this firsthand. Years ago, violent protests relating to the employment of foreign truck drivers resulted in trucks being attacked and destroyed. Meetings were held. Commitments were made. Plans were developed. Yet, to this day, many of the underlying concerns remained unresolved. The recent resurgence of anti-foreigner protests once again forced transport operators to prepare contingency plans and incur additional costs against the possibility of disruption. Service delivery protests create similar challenges. Road closures, burning tyres and blocked routes force transporters to divert vehicles, delay deliveries and absorb additional expenses. Every hour lost on the road carries a cost.
But it is not only political inaction that hurts the industry. Delayed decision-making can be just as damaging. At a recent Daimler Truck Southern Africa briefing, CEO and President Maretha Gerber highlighted that manufacturers already have access to cleaner, more efficient Euro 5 and Euro 6 technologies. The engines exist. The technology exists. The fuel savings exist. What is missing is the legislative progress needed to bring these advances fully into the South African market. While other countries move forward – Europe is moving to Euro 7 – South Africa is on Euro 2 legislation. “That is why I, together with our Naamsa colleagues, are lobbying the government to transform to new legislation so we can bring in the latest technologies,” said Gerber. As it stands, we are being left behind the rest of the world.
This is why trucking provides such an effective barometer of the health and progress of a nation. Apart from having access to the latest technological advancements through our internationally linked OEMs, the industry itself sits at the centre of the economy. When policy fails, infrastructure deteriorates, protests escalate or investment stalls, trucking feels the effects almost immediately. Politicians often speak about economic growth, job creation and investment. Those objectives are impossible to achieve if the industries that keep goods moving are continually forced to navigate obstacles that government itself has the power to remove. The trucking industry does not need politicians to perform miracles. It simply needs politicians who understand the realities facing businesses and who are prepared to address problems before they become crises. South Africa needs the same.
Patrick O’Leary
Managing Editor, FleetWatch
