Gauteng is set to experience a two-day “national shutdown” starting on Tuesday, ahead of the nationwide protest planned for Wednesday.
The shutdown is being organised by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), and the General Industries Workers’ Union of South Africa (Giwusa). The unions are protesting against the rising cost of living, fuel price increases, and load-shedding.
According to Giwusa president Mametlwe Sebei, members will gather at Burgers Park in Pretoria on Tuesday morning, where they will deliver memorandums to various government departments. A night vigil will be held at the park, with some participants staying overnight.
On Wednesday morning, around 6am, union members will be joined by other trade unions before marching to the Union Buildings at 10am.
Sebei said the protest has already achieved its goal of sparking national conversation about the rising cost of living faced by South Africans.
