South Africa Prepares for Nationwide Strike

South Africa’s public service unions have called for a massive national strike next week over wages.

Report says trade unions representing hundreds of thousands of public sector employees have announced demonstrations next Tuesday outside hospitals, at ports, and government buildings.

“Faced with the rapid increase in the cost of living, the government wants civil servants to settle for increases that are lower than inflation. This cannot continue,” the unions said in a joint statement, demanding a 10% increase.

Earlier this month, Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi had promised 3 percent, an offer that was considered ‘derisory.’

Meanwhile, South Africa’s inflation was 7.5% in September, down from a peak of 7.8% in July.

The economy has recently been hit hard by several weeks of rail and port service strikes, which have affected mineral and fresh fruit exports.

AFRICANEWS/CO