Bus strike leaves thousands of commuters stranded
Thousands of commuters have been left stranded due to the nationwide bus drivers' strike, led by the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (Numsa) and the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu.)
The bus strike officially started on Wednesday.
Workers are demanding a salary increase of 15%, as well as shorter shifts and double pay on public holidays.
Numsa's acting spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi says the employer does not care about workers or the welfare of commuters.
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"They are willing to plunge the industry into a crisis days before the Easter long weekend because of their insatiable greed," Hlubi says.
Four unions and 16 bus companies are taking part in the national shutdown. Hlubi says no buses are operating at any of the affected depots.
"We are officially on strike. Our members are determined to ensure that the country knows of their plight," Hlubi says.
She adds that the employers' associations have not reached out to the unions to discuss their list of demands which was published in February this year.
"It is for this reason that we are taking to the streets and use the only weapon we have - to withdraw our labour," she says.
Members of the unions have been mobilised at the different bus depots and will be picketing at the various offices of the employers.
Meanwhile, the Tshwane Metro Police Department has advised motorists and others using the Pretoria CBD to avoid certain routes. Listen below for the details.