Strike in South Africa

Our first two weeks in Johannesburg have coincided with a telling moment in South African politics. Since last week, nearly the entire public service sector - teachers, police, government employees, doctors, nurses - has been on strike. They are demanding an 8.6% increase in their wages, improved housing subsidies, and other benefits. So far the government has made several offers, with the latest being a 7% pay hike. The unions, however, have made it clear that the strike will continue until their demands, and nothing less, are met. They are prepared to strike indefinitely.

From a GRS standpoint it has been frustrating because with no teachers in school, there are no kids in school. Thus, the coaches are unable to go in and do their 'Skillz' sessions . The silver lining to this is that Tizzy and I have gotten to spend almost everyday with the coaches, rather than just every Friday as it would be otherwise. Hence, I feel like we've gotten to know them really well.

President Zuma is under major pressure because the unions striking represent some of his primary constituents, but as President he can ill afford to add to an already ballooning South African deficit (seems to be a common theme around the world these days). But on the other side of that, the teachers certainly deserve to get paid more than the paltry amount they currently recieve. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Read more about the strike here.