South Africa: Army Steps in to the Breech

Johannesburg — The army has deployed more 1,800 medical staff to 47 public hospitals throughout South Africa to substitute for striking doctors and nurses as the nine-day industrial action becomes increasingly ill-tempered.

Thousands of public servants marched in South African cities on 26 August, pushing for an 8.6 percent salary increase and a R1,000 (US$136) housing allowance, which the government has steadfastly refused, citing public spending limitations, and has offered a 7 percent raise and R700 ($95) in housing allowance. Inflation is at 3.7 percent.

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