South Africa: Putco bus workers' strike over pay dispute continues in Johannesburg and Pretoria as of Sept. 8 /update 1

Event

A strike and protests by Putco bus drivers over a pay dispute, which began Sept. 1, are ongoing in Johannesburg and Pretoria as of Sept. 8. Putco management issued 1,000 dismissal threats to striking employees on Sept. 7. Associated protests have been reported at Putco depots and workshops, most recently Sept. 7 at Puctoton along New Canada Road. Confrontations between police and protesters were reported. Putco operates a fleet of 1,400 buses in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo and transports approximately 210,000 passengers per day. It is unclear if workers outside of Gauteng are also on strike. Further protests are likely in the coming days.

Disruptions to bus transport services are likely in parts of Gauteng Province for the duration of the strike. Increased demand for alternative transport is also likely. Police are likely to continue to deploy to protest sites. Further clashes are likely, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore police orders to disperse.

Advice

Reconfirm the availability of road public transport services before departure. Avoid all protests. Heed the instructions of security personnel.