WATCH: Workers stream to King Dinuzulu Park ahead of shutdown march

Many were wearing red shirts emblazoned with the labour federation's logo. 

Members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu), the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) and the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) also stayed away from work to protest against high living costs. 

"The socio-economic challenges that are facing our country are dire and we think that something needs to be done," says Edwin Mkhize, who is with Cosatu in KZN. 

READ: Cosatu, Saftu expect thousands to join shutdown

The South African Police Service and eThekwini metro police are standing by to monitor the procession. 

Deputy chairperson of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) Zandile Gumede says the cost of living's become unbearable for them. 

"The worker's salaries have been cut, because if the salaries are not going to increase but the cost of living increase that has a serious impact on workers even in the long term. Their contribution to pension has not increased because of the lack of salary increases." 

Marchers will submit their memorandum to Economic Development MEC Siboniso Duma. 

Meanwhile, public transport services and businesses are up and running in Durban.