By Khaya Ndaba
Strike action gripped Cape Town on Monday morning – but for a few minutes, love became the main item on the menu.
A newlywed couple had emerged from the Home Affairs in Cape Town, fresh from saying their vows, and found themselves in a sea of protesters in red and black Nehawu T-shirts.
Then, for a few minutes, the protesters paused their angry demonstrations to sing for the happy couple.
“This couple arrived at Home Affairs this morning, unaware of our strike — so we decided to give our blessing to this union (excuse the pun),” wrote one of the striking workers, who captured the beautiful moment on camera.
The march was organised by Nehawu National Education and Allied Workers Union and other public sector unions.
Public buildings were blocked by the protesters despite the Labour Court ruling against the action.
Acting Minister of Public Service and Administration Thulas Nxesi angrily condemned the protest and said: “We have received a court judgement that has dismissed Nehawu’s appeal of the interdict that was handed out on Saturday.”
He added that this was confirmation that the striking is illegal.
The Department of Public Services and Administration proposes a salary increase of 4.7% and the union is demanding 10-12%.
The position of the minister is simple. “No work, no pay.”
Pictured above: The strike at the wedding
Image source: Twitter
