Thousands turned up to support Cosatu strike action

By Mishkah Anthony
06 August 2008

This morning, workers from all over the country took to the streets to protest against rising cost of food, fuels and electricity.

The trade union COSATU expected 2 million workers to down tools nationwide. SADTU, NUFAWSA and NEHAWU were amongst other COSATU affiliated unions, who joined in the mass protests to Parliament in Cape Town.

People gathered in Keisergracht at around 10h00, where they were met by heavy police presence as oppose to the number of protesters present. Public transport was put on hold and commuters were cautioned to stay away from roads to the city centre.

People marched down Darling Street carrying placards and chanting in Xhosa, at the top of their voices,
“This country is for black people and for our ancestors.”

" down with capitalism, viva socialism viva."

women protesters were chanting in solidarity for women and their struggles.

Within the next hour, hundreds more arrived, joining from the side roads off Darling Street, all making their way to parliament with the hope that the memorandum which was to be handed over, would not fall upon deaf ears.

Speakers to address the masses included Andre Kriel from National Education and Health Allied Workers Union, Anthea from the Catholics Justice and Peace Commission, Sheigh Ebrahim Gabriels from the Muslim Judicial Council, Munro Mkalipi from the South African Communist Party, Yusuf Gabru, representative of provincial government and lastly Zwelinzima Vavi, chairperson of Cosatu.