Durban businesses on Wednesday reported that up to 80% of their workers failed to turn up ahead of the planned Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) protest against spiralling food, fuel and other costs.
Denise Chendip, acting chief executive for the Durban Chamber of Commerce, said all businesses agreed that the mass action affected their production considerably.
”There is about 80% absenteeism in labour intensive companies. Many companies had negotiated with their shop stewards and staff to close for today (Wednesday) and [make] up for it over the weekend.”
The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (Sactwu) said figures showed that 88% of 40 000 workers in the province’s clothing and textile sector had supported the protest action.
”This means that 35 200 workers participated in the stay-away,” said Sactwu deputy general secretary Andre Kriel.
Ricky Bhikraj of the Durban Port Authority reported minimal absenteeism.
”The port is fully operational,” he said.
By noon on Wednesday, Chendip said the chamber had not received any reports of business staff being intimidated or shops being damaged. Businesses along the city’s busy Smith Street and West Street were shuttered and even traders and hawkers were absent. Taxis and buses were also not operating.
A growing crowd of about 3 000 protesters converged at Durban’s Curries Fountain Stadium and started marching towards the city centre by 10.30am.
The protesters were reportedly singing African National Congress president Jacob Zuma’s trademark tune Umshini Wami. One marcher was carrying a replica of a machine gun made out of plastic piping.
Among the marchers were senior alliance leaders, including South African Communist Party general secretary Blade Nzimande, and leaders of the Denosa nurses’ union.
By midday, Cosatu secretary general Zwelinzima Vavi had joined the protest. There was a heavy police presence along the route.
Prosecutors at the Durban Magistrate’s and the Commercial Crimes Courts said all cases would be remanded due to the protest.
”Many accused that are out on bail have not pitched up because they had no transport to come to court. Proceedings have been hindered by this protest,” said a prosecutor, who declined to be named.
The city’s main taxi and bus rank at Warwick Triangle was closed. Bus terminals were also empty.
Metro police spokesperson Superintendent John Tyala said no blockades or intimidation had been reported.
However, South African Police Services spokesperson Superintendent Vincent Mdunge confirmed a blockade by taxis on the N2 near the Petro Port station.
”About 20 taxis blocked the road and police are there at the scene. We are going to tow them away. They are going to pay hefty prices for the release of their vehicles.”
No arrests had been made, and no violence was reported, Mdunge said. – Sapa