JOHANNESBURG - Wage talks to end the truck drivers strike are expected to continue into the evening.
The Road Freight Employers' Association and unions have been locked in talks since 8am trying to reach a settlement.
Striking workers, most of whom are affiliated to South African Transport Allied Workers Union (Satawu), downed tools on Monday demanding a 12 percent hike while bosses are offering eight percent.
The industrial action has been marred by violence and intimidation, with over 40 people being arrested on Thursday.
Around a dozen trucks have been damaged in Gauteng and the Western Cape this week after they were set alight, allegedly by striking workers.
Satawu's Vincent Masoga says they are hoping to clinch a deal soon.
“Our negotiators are still in meetings. We are still adamant that we will get a positive settlement.”
Meanwhile, Satawu says it will oppose an urgent court application by the Road Freight Employer’s Association.
The employers want to stop the violence that has marred the nationwide strike.
The court is yet to rule on whether the strike is legal or not, but it has ordered Satawu to publically condemn the violence which has marred the protest action.
Satawu has also been ordered to call on its members "to desist from any unlawful or criminal conduct", a statement from the employers said.
The South African Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry has condemned the violence.