Johannesburg - The marathon public service strike and threats to "shut down" the economy triggered a chorus of appeals and warnings from the government and politicians on Wednesday.
"Government is extremely concerned about the inflammatory nature of some statements by a number of role-players, including trade union leaders," government spokesperson Themba Maseko said on Wednesday night.
"These statements, including the threat to shut down the economy, are unhelpful, unnecessary and irresponsible. Such statements serve to fuel further violence and intimidation."
Maseko condemned incidents of violence since the beginning of the strike.
"The nation is witnessing unprecedented and reprehensible forms of violence, intimidation and unacceptable behaviour such as the assault of learners by adults, intimidation of volunteers, and the prevention of citizens from accessing urgently needed medical care."
Maseko added: "Government will not stand by while citizens are subjected to violence and intimidation."Maseko appealed for calm and responsibility, especially in view of the year-end examinations.
Earlier in the day, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told the National Assembly's health committee it was vital for the strike to come to end.
"Our major concern is to protect life and ensure that patients get the care they need," he said.
"It is critical for the strike to end immediately, as lives are being lost."
The portfolio committee on health in Gauteng pleaded with Congress of SA Trade Unions members not to embark on a strike in solidarity with some 1.3 million public servants who had been staying away from work since Wednesday last week.
Said committee chairwoman Molebatsi Bopape: "The threat by Cosatu to organise a secondary strike will add a blow to the current volatile situation; especially in our health institutions."
People's lives should take precedence over any other issue, she said.
"In Gauteng hospitals alone, we have seen babies left unattended and patients dying due to the strike," she said in a statement which called for a speedy resolution to the mass action.
Some 2 400 soldiers have been deployed to help out in 42 hospitals countrywide where several patients have died because of a lack of proper care.
The ANC in Gauteng "strongly condemned... the acts of vandalism, trashing and intimidation" by striking workers.
"We call on the leadership of unions to take full responsibility and stop all illegal and objectionable actions."
Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Mulder said the cost of the wage dispute had been too high.
"No salary dispute justifies the death of people and the destruction of young matriculants' careers.
"The death of defenceless ill people and innocent babies as a result of the public service strike is the worst form of selfishness."
Mulder criticised the "radicalism" of Cosatu's leadership.
"It is appearing more and more that there may be a hidden agenda behind the strike.
"Cosatu leaders have already expressed their frustrations with President (Jacob) Zuma because he is not following their policy directions," said Mulder.
Cosatu has threatened that its secondary strike will shut down the economy.
"Every Cosatu-affiliated union must on August 26 submit (a seven-day) notice to their employers to embark on a secondary strike," Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Until Monday, the had government said it was offering a seven percent increase.
However, government spokesperson Themba Maseko this week said the offer was in "real terms" actually 8.5%, a mere tenth of a percent short of what unions wanted.
This was because the increase offer was bolstered by a 1.5% pay progression.
Anarchy
However, unions said the pay progression was part of an old agreement on performance appraisals signed in 2003.
This issue has angered unions, with the Independent Labour Caucus (ILC), whose members were also striking, warning that the dispute with the government could get even worse.
"There's a threat that if less than 50% of unions sign government's final offer the employer will revert back to the 5.2% salary increase and a R620 per month housing allowance," ILC chairperson Chris Klopper said.
"If that is true, there will be total anarchy in this country," he said.
The public service and administration department has already signed off on the government's wage offer and informed unions it will be unilaterally implemented if it is not accepted within 21 days.
Unions are demanding an 8.6% increase and R1 000 monthly housing allowance, and have rejected the government's offer of 7% and a R700 allowance.
More protest marches in several major centres, including Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg, were scheduled for Thursday, union leaders said.