3rd preliminary strike to take place

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will launch the third of three preliminary strikes on 23 July 2008 in the lead-up to a nationwide stay-away planned for 6 August. The strikes will be held in the Gauteng, Limpopo and North West provinces in response to rising electricity and food prices. In Gauteng, marches will take place in the Johannesburg city center. Protests are also expected in the Eastern Cape, and will include marches in East London, Port Elizabeth, Queenstown and Mthatha. These strikes will affect all sectors of the economy, including services typically used by travelers. All travelers should expect significant disruptions in these provinces and should plan accordingly.