3 Million Blacks in S. Africa Strike Over Factional Fighting
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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — Black workers nationwide stayed home Monday in a strike to protest black factional fighting that has killed thousands. Labor groups said that up to 3 million blacks took part.
Black absenteeism in the major cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Port Elizabeth ranged from 50% to more than 90%, according to estimates by police, labor and management.
The South African Chamber of Business estimated that Monday’s work stoppage cost the country almost $300 million in lost productivity.
Several black groups opposed Monday’s strike. The opponents included the Inkatha movement, the conservative Zulu organization that has been fighting African National Congress supporters for supremacy in Natal province.
Black groups have become increasingly hostile to one another in recent months as they compete for supporters and influence.
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