
The South African Federation of Trade Unions, which has called for the strike, has put forward demands for a radical change in policy, including measures such as the nationalization of all strategic monopoly industries and a living minimum wage of at least R12,500 (USD $854)

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and the South African Cabin Crew Association made the demand after the National Treasury under Tito Mboweni announced that no money would be allotted for South African Airways which faces liquidation

The plunging of the currency to a historic low is likely to affect the country’s ability to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. South Africa has recorded the maximum number of cases in the continent

The economic reforms announced by the National Treasury would weaken labor rights and advocate for the privatization of state-owned enterprises and export-led growth

Tito Mboweni was formerly Governor of the Reserve Bank and is known for implementing anti-worker and neo-liberal policies in the country