Times Of Swaziland: SOUTHERN STAR LOGISTICS SENIOR MANAGER’S PERSPECTIVE

SOUTHERN STAR LOGISTICS SENIOR MANAGER’S PERSPECTIVE
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Editor on 11/10/2021 08:21:00


Sir,
The recent political unrests in the country have in more than one way been the
most trying times of one’s life from an employee’s point of view. Perhaps to
start with it is imperative to introduce myself briefly; Bongani Mamba is a
former health worker, ex-unionist, safety practitioner, entrepreneur, socialite,
ex-soccer administrator and ex-councilor, among others.
I have not been mandated to speak or write on behalf of Southern Star Logistics,
but felt it prudent, proper and imperative to explain and clear a few
perceptions which if I don’t perhaps no one would be able to and the nation
would be made to believe anything they hear or read on social media. I am among
over 400 employees who have been given an opportunity to work for this company
obviously with the aim of feeding our families and our dependents which is why,
I found it imperative to raise my concern on the ongoing threats which are going
to render all of us jobless in the event the company closes down for whatever
reason.
As emaSwati employees for now, we have no alternate sources of employment in the
event the company shuts down…we will be adding to the already high numbers of
unemployment and crime may not be unstoppable if over 400 emaSwati with their
dependents lose their jobs. Take it one employee has five dependents from his
salary, this literally means 400 x 5 = 2 000 people will immediately be without
an income not for just one month, but perpetually. Who can possibly assist with
options of where all these emaSwati will go once the company closes?
Royalty involvement
As employees, we shall not talk about the foundation of the company and its
links with any other institution. Our biggest concern is serving and servicing
emaSwati with their needs such as fuel. The involvement of royalty in the
shareholding is to our knowledge as employees unfounded. Companies where royalty
is involved are known and also have members of royalty or relatives in Boards or
employment. At Southern Star we have never seen same and anyone can do their
investigation.
This is nothing but sheer jealousy against the founder of Southern Star, Wayne
Levendale, who has been brave enough to engage a big conglomerate such as
Unitrans to share the wealth with emaSwati; by forging for a 50-50 shareholding.
The Office of the Registrar of Companies has it in black and white which
companies have royal links and that is public information. This false
information if allowed to continue will really set a bad foundation for a future
based on lies.
Shortage of fuel during unrests
Fellow countrymen who were hard-hit by the non-availability of fuel during the
July unrests were calling from all fronts as their vehicles queued at filling
stations with no fuel. I, together with fuel companies received numerous calls
to restore fuel for all emaSwati’s lives to be back to normal. Remember,
emaSwati could not go to shops, hospitals and work because of lack of fuel. The
question is, in your position what would you do as an equally affected member of
this country?
We had to risk sending emaSwati drivers to collect the fuel from South Africa
and Mozambique to ensure the country is not dry with fuel. When drivers
complained that roads were either blocked with rocks and burnt tyres and
moreover pelted, we sought the support of the Eswatini police to escort our
drivers and vehicles with the aim of restoring fuel all over the country. I can
mention that because the escorts did not have sufficient transport we borrowed
them our kombi to ensure they escort the trucks and bring product as per the
nation’s need.
Proposed petition/march against Southern Star
Targeting Southern Star Logistics will unfortunately directly hurt the over 400
emaSwati in direct employment. There is absolutely no guarantee that any other
new transporter will employ lamaSwati who would have lost jobs. As Southern Star
Logistics, we are only a service provider whose mandate is to ensure that
emaSwati are serviced excellently. In conclusion, as a service provider with
interest of all emaSwati’s prosperity, we encourage dialogue, which will most
importantly assist in building the relations among all stakeholders.