Mine workers are downing tools and marching to the Chamber of Mines in the Johannesburg CBD in protest against workplace safety conditions.
National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said the march was being held in protest against workplace safety conditions, and in memory of those who died from work related incidents.
He said the march and subsequent strikes would create a “a total shutdown of the economy”.
“A resolution to observe a day of mourning was taken by the NUM earlier in the year … to demand the safety of its members.”
Seshoka said the NUM would be joined by construction and energy workers who would also march to Eskom, the SA Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors, and the departments of labour and mineral resources.
Workers were expected to gather at the corner of Marshall and Nugget streets in Johannesburg at 9am, before marching to the Chamber of Mines to hand in a memorandum.
Metro police said the protesters would then march up Anderson street.
Spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said traffic would be diverted around the area.
The roads were expected to be cleared by 2pm, he said. — Sapa