Cosatu-Saftu's Wednesday national shutdown in pictures

The legally protected strike was sparked by load shedding, low wages and the rising cost of living. During a press conference on Tuesday, 23 August, Saftu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi acknowledged that the shutdown would not draw the crowds seen during nationwide protests in 2018, but workers’ organisations, unions and NGOs drew moderate support, especially in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Polokwane, which saw trade union leaders hand over memorandums to government officials. 

Saftu workers march to the Civic Centre in Cape Town to hand over a memorandum to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. (Photo: Victoria O'Regan)

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on the sidelines of the Saftu march outside the Civic Centre. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

Protests across the country proceeded peacefully and no violence was reported. This image is from Durban. (Photo: Mandla Langa)

Cosatu members march in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. (Photo: Mandla Langa)

Cosatu members march in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. (Photo: Mandla Langa)

Law enforcement keep a watch over protesting Cosatu members in Cape Town. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

Thousands of trade union members marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to have their grievances heard. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Amid heavy police presence, Saftu and Cosatu members marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Members of Cosatu protested against the public transport crisis in the Western Cape. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

Protests across the country proceeded peacefully and no violence was reported. This image is from Durban. (Photo: Mandla Langa)

Cosatu members in Durban marched from King Dinuzulu Park in the CBD to the City Hall with a memorandum of demands. (Photo: Mandla Langa)

Members of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union joined the national call to march against rising food prices in Polokwane, Limpopo. (Photo: Mokgadi Mogy Mashako)