The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has announced a National Day of Action on Monday, 7 October 2024.
Story Summary:
- The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) will embark on a nationwide strike on Monday, 7 October 2024, protesting rising unemployment, the cost of living, and other socioeconomic issues.
- Major roads across South Africa are expected to be affected.
Cosatu embarks on national strike: Here’s why
Thousands of workers across multiple sectors are expected to join the strike, which forms part of the union’s annual protest to voice concerns over several pressing issues in South Africa.
The key grievances include the country’s high unemployment rate, currently sitting at 33.5%, increasing cost of living, proposed electricity tariff hikes, and staff shortages in essential services like healthcare.
Cosatu also seeks to address budget cuts, non-payment of salaries, and non-compliance with pension fund regulations in municipalities .
Cosatu spokesperson Zanele Sabela highlighted that the union’s primary demand is to halt retrenchments, which continue to rise amid weak economic growth.
She also noted that load reduction, corruption, and gender-based violence would be focal points during the demonstrations.
Roads to be affected on Monday, 7 October 2024
The nationwide protest is expected to disrupt major routes in several provinces.
Below are some of the roads that will be affected by the Cosatu strike across the country:
- Western Cape: Protesters will march along Hanover, Darling, and Adderley Streets, leading to the Western Cape Provincial Legislature and Parliament.
- Gauteng: In Johannesburg, marchers will assemble at George Lea Park in Sandton and proceed along Sandton Drive, Katherine Street, and Maude Street, impacting traffic near the JSE and National Treasury .
- KwaZulu-Natal: In Durban, demonstrators will march along Berea Road and Doctor Pixley Kaseme Street, causing delays near Durban City Hall.
- Eastern Cape: Participants are expected to march along Factory Road, Kimberley Road, and Oxford Street in East London, with disruptions near the Department of Labour .
- Northern Cape: In Kimberley, roads like Memorial Road will be impacted as protesters head towards the Premier’s office.
- Mpumalanga: Major disruptions are expected along the N4, with marches taking place in areas like Komatipoortand Strydom Block Road.
- Free State: Traffic will be affected along Eric Louw Road, President Brand Road, and Fichardt Street as marchers gather in Sasolburg .
Motorists are advised to avoid these areas if possible and plan alternative routes to minimise disruptions.
Although the protests are expected to be peaceful, heavy traffic congestion is anticipated, and law enforcement agencies will be on high alert to monitor the situation