D-Day for govt strike

Johannesburg - Public service trade unions were expected to accept or reject government's latest wage offer on Wednesday, two weeks into a nationwide strike.

Public Service and Administration Minister Richard Baloyi reportedly told Business Day the government would have to borrow the money to pay for the increase, which would add an extra R7bn to the current R297bn public service wage bill.

"Obviously, we will have to borrow the money. We dragged ourselves to this point," he was quoted as saying.

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) was canvassing its 245 000 members and was expecting an answer by Wednesday afternoon.

"We should have an idea on (Wednesday) afternoon," Nehawu spokesperson Sizwe Phamla said.

"If for example two of the nine provinces reject (the offer), and say seven accept, that means we accept the offer."

The union said on Tuesday it was "encouraged" by the new offer of a 7.5% salary increase and R800 monthly housing allowance.

The unions wanted an 8.6% increase and R1 000 monthly housing allowance.

The SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) would have a decision by 10:00 on Wednesday, general secretary Mugwena Maluleke said on Tuesday.

Independent Labour Caucus (ILC) chairperson Chris Klopper said a media conference would be held on Wednesday afternoon to announce the outcome.

Government's latest offer was tabled at talks with unions, represented by the Congress of SA Trade Unions and the ILC, at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council during overnight talks on Monday and into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Baloyi's spokesperson, Dumisani Nkwamba, said a follow-up meeting would be held at the bargaining council on Wednesday "for  consideration of the offer".

The strike has severely affected hospitals and schools, with several provinces postponing preliminary matric exams.

Many schools had been closed not only because of the absence of teachers, but because of alleged intimidation of non-striking teachers.

The SA National Defence Force has had to help out at 61 state hospitals.

According to media reports several deaths occurred due to the strike, but the national health department has refrained from commenting.