COSATU Announces Nationwide Strike and Demonstrations

02 Oct 2024

Members of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), together with their affiliated unions, have announced their intent to embark on a nationwide strike and demonstration on 7 October 2024. This event will form part of COSATU’s annual National Day of Action, a protest aimed at voicing a variety of grievances.

The strike is expected to draw participation from thousands of workers across multiple sectors, and is being held in response to a range of pressing issues. These include the country's rising unemployment rate, currently reported at 33.5% as of the second quarter of 2024, the escalating cost of living, and proposed electricity tariff increases. Additionally, the union is protesting nationwide staff shortages in essential service sectors, particularly healthcare, and they are challenging various proposed measures that they argue are impacting the public sector and the broader economy.

COSATU has highlighted other grievances, including ongoing load reduction, departmental budget cuts leading to post-terminations, and non-payment of salaries across various industries. The union also points to non-compliance with pension fund regulations by municipalities and certain companies, as well as the high levels of corruption and crime, including gender-based violence. These factors, alongside proposed tax increases and other issues, will be central to the demonstration’s focus.

COSATU has a long history of organising these national strikes, often using them as a platform to highlight the concerns of the working class and to push for government and employer action. This year’s strike is expected to have a lot of participation, as many workers are directly affected by the issues being raised.

While the exact protest march routes are still being confirmed, demonstrators in several provinces are expected to follow specific paths:

•In Western Cape, along Hanover, Darling and Adderley Streets to the Western Cape Provincial Legislature, before likely continuing along Adderley Street and Spin Street to the Parliament of South Africa. 

•In Northern Cape, demonstrators are likely to march along Memorial Road. 

•The protest march in Free State is anticipated to occur along Eric Louw Road, President Brand Road and Fichardt Street. 

•In KwaZulu-Natal, participants will likely proceed along Berea Road and Doctor Pixley Kaseme Street. 

•In Limpopo, demonstrators are likely to proceed along Landdros Mare Street/R101, Excelsior Street, Hans Van Rensburg Street, Rissik Street, Landros Mare Street, Grobler Street/R71, Schoeman Street, Bodenstein Street and Hans Van Rensburg Street. 

•Demonstrators in North West are expected to march along Nelson Mandela Street/R104 and Beyers Naude Street. 

•In Eastern Cape, participants are expected to proceed along Factory Road, Kimberley Road and Oxford Street. 

•In Mpumalanga, the protest march will likely proceed along the N4, Rissik Street/R571 and an unnamed road. 

•Demonstrators in Gauteng are expected to march along Sandton Drive/M75, Katherine Street/M85, West Street, Maude Street and Gwen Lane. 

The protest action is likely to have widespread implications, particularly in terms of disruptions to travel and business operations. Potential road closures and increased foot traffic in demonstration areas could affect daily operations and commuting.

In light of these developments, businesses and individuals are advised to prepare accordingly. Heavy traffic congestion is anticipated, and intimidation or disruptions in some areas cannot be ruled out, despite expectations that the marches will remain peaceful.