Some schools closed today despite government’s plea

By Lelethu Mquqo
18 August 2010

Despite government’s plea to parents to send children to school today, schools in parts of southern Johannesburg, including Soweto and Lenasia are closed.

Protesters are barring access to the Natalspruit Hospital on the East Rand.

The Gauteng Health Department’s Mandla Sidu says they are sending officials to the scene to assess the situation.

Public servants are embarking on an indefinite strike, which started today after rejecting government’s seven percent wage increase offer.

Meanwhile, the trial of Glenn Agliotti at the South Gauteng High Court was again put on hold due to the strike.

The court’s stenographer could not be found to transcribe the proceedings.

A group of strikers gathered on the court steps chanting slogans and dancing.