Traffic chaos as truck drivers block major roads in Tshwane

Truck drivers have blocked various mayor highways in the city, including the R21, N4, N12 and N1 as well as roads in the Pretoria CBD, causing chaos as motorists attempt to make their way to work this morning.

The truck drivers are contracted to Eskom and the power giant's bid to use less coal and more renewable energy is at the centre of the protest.

According to Eskom spokesperson, Khulu Phasiwe, the truck drivers are protesting against the directive to use less coal, as this would affect their livelyhoods. 

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"The reason is threefold: Partly it is because the introduction of renewable energy but also because we are using less electricity that resulted in surplus," Phasiwe says.

Motorists have taken to social media to vent their frustration with videos showing trucks in the middle of various highways, bringing traffic to a complete standstill.

Phasiwe says Eskom will also be shutting down at least four coal-powered power stations.

"We have been directed by government to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions," Phasiwe says.