Strike brings S. Africa’s economy to standstill

Financial Times.

JOHANNESBURG. A nationwide strike over rising living costs brought much of Africa’s biggest economy to a standstill on Wednesday.

Millions of South Africans downed tools, forcing mines and manufacturers to cut back operations, as trade unions flexed their political muscle.

The normally bustling streets of Durban, home to the continent’s largest port, were all but deserted until thousands of protesters marched past shuttered banks and shops.

Cosatu, the trade union federation that called the strike, is demanding government action to lower prices and has attacked steep rises in interest rates.

Its leaders have warned of further action if its demands are not met. "We will be like prisoners," said Zet Luzipo of Cosatu. "We will keep knocking and knocking until there’s a hole to get out" ...

http://www.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=206&cat=8