Thousands march in South Africa over minimum wage

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG

Thousands of protesters on Wednesday took to the streets of major cities across South Africa, opposing the proposed national minimum wage.

Protesters say they are unhappy with the proposed labor law amendment bill, which would see a minimum wage of 20 rand ($1.6) per hour.

“What can 3,500 rand ($280) do for you in a month? This is a slave wage, that’s why I’m here protesting,” a Johannesburg factory worker who only identified himself as Mazibuko, said.

The national minimum wage which was approved by the cabinet last November is yet to be approved by the parliament.

The protesters, who were dressed mostly in red T-shirts and caps belonging to the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), marched through the city of Johannesburg to hand over their list of demands to the authorities.

The representatives of the trade unions affiliated with SAFTU and non-union members as well as political parties also participated in the march.

Shops and other businesses were closed in the Johannesburg city center. Public service vehicles were off the road for most of the day.

Strikes in South Africa usually turn violent with shops being looted and property vandalized.

This is the second major strike to hit South Africa this month after 15,000 bus drivers downed tools over poor pay.