Cape Town (IP): South Africa’s biggest labor federation has led a one-day national strike over unemployment and poor wages, which is affecting the livelihoods of the masses.

Iran Press/Africa: The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says that over 11 million people are unemployed.

Workers told Iran Press that since the Covid-19 pandemic, many people who lost their jobs due to the lockdowns, have struggled to find employment. They also pointed to the major increase in the price of essentials while workers' salaries have only seen marginal increases. The situation has been described as a job bloodbath. 

Workers from a range of sectors participated in the demonstrations, including teachers, municipal workers, the health fraternity, and agriculture. 

Negotiations are currently underway for wage increases, but the government is offering a below-inflation rate of 3 percent. 204