Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Unions in South Africa stage mass strike

Updated at 10:40 am on 7 August 2008

South African trade unions have held a one-day strike, which has brought much of the economy to a standstill.

The public transport network was severely disrupted on Wednesday, with a knock-on effect on schools, mines and carmakers.

Some of the country's biggest mining companies say they have been badly hit.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions sought to mobilise its two million members to protest against the high cost of living.

Public transport was affected across the country with long queues forming for buses and taxis in Johannesburg. Many workers and students stayed at home as a result of the disruption.

COSATU has urged the government to subsidise essential commodities and demands higher wages for workers.

Rallies were held in Pretoria and at 17 other locations across South Africa. All nine provinces were involved in the strike.

COSATU told the BBC that the strike was over rising costs across the board. Another strike is planned for next month.

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