Dramatic photos awaited me when I woke up this morning, the result of yet another violent episode of strike action. Our country, South Africa, is deeply unhappy, and this is evidenced by the increasingly dramatic incidences of (literally) inflammatory protest.
Last week I received one of those annoying obviously fake WhatsApp messages about how certain elements intended to make the country ungovernable. While clearly fake, it did seem to contain an element of truth. Labour is protesting the new minimum wage bill, which proposes to set a minimum hourly wage of R20 ($1,62). I know this seems unbelievably low, but as a long term small business owner, I can't afford it. If it is enforced, it might well be the final step to closing the shop and working solely online, which would put the four remaining permanent staff members out of a job, one they have held for periods varying from ten to twenty years. At one stage I used to employ seven people.
Images: https://ladysmithgazette.co.za
Last night's dramatic protest was unlawful and involved the burning of about 20 trucks at the toll plaza on one of our main national highways. There was (of course) also looting. The protesters were angry about foreign nationals being employed. South Africa has an ugly xenophobic streak. Fortunately no one was hurt. The highway affected is exceedingly busy over long weekends, so quite a bit of chaos has ensued. We use this highway all the time as it is the road that runs from Johannesburg to Durban, and my town is situated midpoint between the two cities. My husband travels it almost weekly, though thankfully was not on the road when this incident occurred.
Image: Twitter, @FirstTakeSA
Image: Twitter, @JGvanZyl_ZA
There have been several other provinces that have been affected even worse than us. Corruption is rife in our country, and poverty is escalating. No-one is unaffected, and businesses feel it keenly. What will happen to our country, things seem to be getting worse? I know economic problems are a world-wide issue, and the so is the vast network of corruption that spans the globe. All we can do is be careful and be happy when we can.
Sources:
https://ladysmithgazette.co.za/106180/warning-n3-closed-mooi-river-due-protest-action-burning-trucks-make-use-alternative-routes/
http://ewn.co.za/2018/04/30/clean-up-operation-underway-on-n3-following-torching-of-trucks