One of South Africa’s biggest unions has called a national strike on November 26 against a government decision to freeze public sector pay.

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) is planning marches in Pretoria and Cape Town as part of its action.

The government plans to freeze public sector pay for three years, to curb costs amid an economic crisis intensified by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nehawu claims the government is reneging on previous agreements, and that it’s unfair to health workers who have been at the forefront during the pandemic.

Nehawu has an estimated membership above 235,000 and is affiliated with trade federation Cosatu, a traditional ally of the ruling African National Congress.