High alert as SA customs downs tools

Tlokweng border PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Tlokweng border PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

Local authorities and the private sector are on high alert as a strike by South African revenue and customs officials intensifies, threatening critical imports into Botswana such as fuel and food.

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.

Editor's Comment
CAF is a joke, but...

We are told of massive spin-offs for hosting countries, which we assume was the catalyst behind putting in the bid.We are not too sure if it is a one-size fits all, where any hosting nation reaps the benefits or it’s on a case-by-case basis.There are arguments from both ends, with hosting a sure way to accelerate infrastructure development and a guaranteed cash flow during the 30-days of the tournament.There is a bump in employment creation...

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