Tow truckers in Vhembe will speak with one voice from now on. This follows the launch of the Vhembe branch at the weekend.

A motorcade of tow trucks, stretching kilometers around Thohoyandou, which preceded the function, was a spectacle to watch. The organisation, Limpuma Towing Business Association, is comprised of members from Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

The launch, which saw many members from the two provinces come together to chart a way forward, took place at the Thidiiela’s Sasol Garage in Thohoyandou on Sunday. The function had a slow start when a small group protested about not having been properly convened. They were given a period of grace in which they could affiliate.

The organisation’s chairperson, Mr Morgan Matlala, said the operators worked under difficult conditions. He said business was being accessed by only the minority, who were well established. “We have decided to come under one roof and see how we can work as an organisation. As a group we can speak with one voice, which makes us easily heard,” he said.

“The price of petrol, spares, diesel and other costs are always rising, but our prices remain the same. We have to look at ways of addressing these problems and the best way to do this is through an association,” he said,

Saeed Chandiya, an operator from Thohoyandou, said the founding of the organisation was long overdue. “We have been operating as individuals and there was no uniformity in pricing; this was proving to be very difficult tin the running of our businesses. Now that we have an association, things will move smoothly and, hopefully, our businesses will prosper,” he said.

Branches are still to be launched throughout the two provinces.