South Africa: Nationwide 24-hour general strike planned April 25

Event

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) is planning a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, April 25. SAFTU is protesting the proposed national minimum wage and changes to the labor laws. The organization represents 30 unions and around 800,000 workers that may participate in the strike. Assembly points for the striking workers across the country include:

• Johannesburg: Newtown Precinct Park with plans to march to the Department of Labor
• Cape Town: Keizersgracht with plans to march to the Parliament
• Port Elizabeth: Centinary Hall with plans to march to Vuyisile Mini Square
• Bloemfontein: Batho Hall with plans to march to the Department of Labor at 12:00 (local time)
• Polokwane: SABC Park with plans to march to the Departments of Labor and Social Development
• Durban: Botha's Place with plans to march to Durban City Hall, Departments of Labor and Economic of Development, and the Mayor's office
• East London: March to the Department of Labor
• Queenstown: Picket at the Department of Labor

A heightened security presence along with localized traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area of all demonstrations. Clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

SAFTU handed over a list of demands to parliament in Cape Town during a protest on April 12 but they claim that the government response did not adequately address their concerns. Unions are a powerful sector in South Africa. Strikes and demonstrations affecting multiple sectors - usually in relation to wage demands - are common and sometimes turn violent.

Advice

Individuals present in South Africa are advised to avoid all demonstrations as violence can break out with little to no warning.