Destruction of property 'economic sabotage': Minister
Communications Minister, Nomvula Mokonyane says the damaging of property during strikes and other protests is economic sabotage.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Pretoria earlier, Mokonyane made reference to the damage caused to infrastructure at Eskom where workers picketed last week.
Eskom is currently in a wage dispute with three unions.
"We have the Labour Relations Act. There's the right for workers to be protected but nobody is entitled to destroy property. It's an act of sabotage and it's going to cost the state. Whether it's organised workers or communities, no one has a right to destroy property," Mokonyane said.
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The power utility has entered its third day of wage talks with workers' unions.
National Union of Mineworkers, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and Solidarity have rejected the power utility’s revised offer of a 4,7% wage hike.
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Violent protests have also played out on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast this week. Angry communities there barricaded the N2, stoned vehicles and torched and looted several trucks near Zamimpilo.
Local municipal officials say the community is demanding housing and water, among other services.