#SAFTUstrike sparks a conversation on Twitter

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) is leading a strike against the national minimum wage tomorrow.

Saftu has dubbed the looming strike action as their response to “the biggest attacks on working-class people, since the end of apartheid”.

Also read:  Cosatu says it won’t join general strike on Wednesday, supports minimum wage

The massive strike action prompted mixed reactions on twitter, with many nervous at the thought of a gridlock of protesters expected to arrive at city centers tmorrow morning.

The federation says the proposed minimum wage of R20 per hour or R3 500 a month is too low and reassured patrons that the strike will be peaceful.

Tweeps had a lot to say about the expected national strike.

https://twitter.com/madiathomas/status/988716515989041152

Some of us we still new at our companies and we've been already warned that we have to come to work tomorrow if we wanna keep our jobs #SAFTUstrike pic.twitter.com/Uz1I6zdzKy

— SHEPHERD (@MalumeSharepart) April 24, 2018

Countries like ours with 40% real unemployment shouldn't be striking and bringing an economy to a standstill. Even if demands are met, its great for those that are employed, but results in MORE unemployment as businesses cut back on staff and dont hire. #SAFTUstrike

— Mike Balmer (@WizardKittySA) April 24, 2018

At the begining of april everything increased except salaries even when they get increased it's by a smaller percent than the rest. Hell I support #SAFTUstrike

— ♚ItsAKayThing♚ (@Kelz_Mokwena) April 24, 2018

A message circulated on social media saying those not participating in the strike should rather stay indoors.  The message was reported to be fake.

Just received this via WhatsApp. I'm not sure if its real or just malicious fear-mongering by some bored person. Any truth to it? @Zwelinzima1 @ParliamentofRSA #SAFTUStrike pic.twitter.com/QE56Qyl7fJ

— Robert Escott (@RobertSEscott) April 24, 2018

#SAFTUstrike my boss heard siya my colleague saying loooooong weekend is looming since this strike and now he offered to pay uber for us 2mrw….some people ba phapha,damn pic.twitter.com/7IW1gbYjZU

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— KHANI🗯️ (@khani_hlahla) April 24, 2018

Some questioned the strikes purpose.

Please balance me real quick here vele vele why are we striking?
Are we really gonna strike? Phela ke batla goja chelete ya go namela#NationWideStrike#SAFTUstrike pic.twitter.com/v7R23VLYVX

— 🖤Thobile🖤 (@Mis_Thobile) April 24, 2018

A map indicating the different assembly points also circulated.

Take Note: #SAFTUstrike tomorrow 25 April 2018. Routes and assemble points for the planned national strike pic.twitter.com/Rblxw3UvGQ

— Netstar Traffic (@netstartraffic) April 24, 2018

Others hoped the day was on Thursday eyeing the looming extended weekend.

This is poor planning why wasnt the strike scheduled for Thursday via long weekend hai
…#SAFTUstrike pic.twitter.com/LM0zMCJsPI

— lifeIsAMystery (@2weety___) April 24, 2018

#SaftuStrike needs to keep in mind that not everyone can take part in the movement because they have to be at work. Not by their decision but from pressure from their employers. Please be considerate to those of us tomorrow who are under pressure to either be at work or lose it pic.twitter.com/ln915MJxL6

— Lemon (@xLemon_x) April 24, 2018

While others had sinister intentions.

https://twitter.com/Deno_Nyalungu/status/988728865307623425

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