South Africa: Army steps in to the breech
The South African army has deployed more 1800 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 R1000 (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.