High alert as SA customs downs tools

South African Revenue Service (SARS) workers affiliated to two unions downed tools indefinitely yesterday demanding an 11% salary adjustment. The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has also threatened to spread the strike to other sectors if the demands are not met.

Botswana is heavily dependent on South Africa for crucial imports, including food, medicine, fuel, equipment and household consumables. Statistics Botswana figures show that in January, 60% of Botswana’s imports or a value of P2.7 billion came from South Africa, being mainly fuel and food.