A blow for Gauteng

SETBACK: GAUTRAIN STRIKE WILL AFFECT SA'S ECONOMIC HEARTLAND

- Brian Sokutu

'Numsa action will impact provincial economy because of train's vital role.'

With Gautrain being the latest entity to be hit by a strike, a leading economist has warned that the labour action by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) could adversely affect the country's economic heartland of Gauteng.

South Africa is feeling the effects of the winter strike season with mining, transport and healthcare among the sectors affected.

Dr Frederich Kirsten, economics lecturer at University of Johannesburg, said this period was marked by unions "becoming more vocal in mobilising members to action".