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The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has announced a national strike across South Africa taking place on Monday, 7 October, with the goal to address ‘high joblessness, poverty and income inequality’, as well as the high and increasing cost of living, Cape {town} Etc reports.

Reports have indicated that Cape Town protesters will gather at Hanover Street, next to the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Centre for E-learning at 8:30am and march to the Western Cape Government (WCG) offices, namely the Western Cape Provincial Legislature and National Parliament, to ‘submit a memorandum of demands’.

Also read: Springboks blackout: COSATU disappointed in GNU for failed broadcast

According to COSATU, the list of demands includes:

  • A stop to attacks on ‘Collective Bargaining’ in all sectors
  • The prevention of crime and corruption
  • Reduction of high interest rates
  • Addressing the high and increasing cost of living
  • An end to job losses and privatisation
  • Addressing the high unemployment rate and the creation of ‘decent jobs’
  • The ‘speedy implementation’ of the Zondo Commission recommendations
  • The South African Government that must ‘stop misplaced pursuit of Austerity measures’ and
  • Businesses and the SA Government must agree with COSATU’s labour law reform demands

Citizens have been advised to prepare for ‘potential disruptions to daily life, transportation, and business operations’.

‘Thousands are likely to participate in the strike. The strike could prompt increased employee absenteeism, possibly affecting public services, healthcare, and air travel,’ according to Crisis24.

COSATU has stated that the strikes are ‘legally protected’.

The union has also notified the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) with their intentions for the march.

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Picture: Alet Pretorius / Foto24 / Gallo Images

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