South Africans took to the streets this Wednesday in South Africa's nine provinces to protest the high cost of living. They are demanding that the government raise the minimum wage to 12,500 rand, about 47,250.00 meticais at the current exchange rate.

The general strike, which is intended to be peaceful, was called by two high-profile trade union groups in the country. Singing liberation music for the country, thousands of people marched toward the president's office, demanding price reductions.

VIDEO | Some marchers here in Burgers Park in Pretoria, singing a song that says 'workers let's unite, we've been working for nothing for far too long'. #NationalShutdown #SabcNews pic.twitter.com/B3sF9hrGVF

- Tshepiso Moche (@tshepimoche) August 24, 2022

According to the president of the General Union of Industry Workers of South Africa, Mametlwe Sebei, the increase in the minimum wage will allow most of the population to have a decent life.

Sebei further said that 75% of South African workers earn less than 5,800 rand (22,000.00 meticais) and that most workers cannot afford basic food and transportation due to low wages that have pushed many into starvation.

According to statistics, 34.4% of South Africa's population of 60 million is unemployed, which translates to about 7.8 million people.

Inflation has reached almost 8% - the highest in 13 years - and about a third of South Africans are unemployed.

In March, a World Bank report described South Africa as the "most unequal" country in the world, out of 164 assessed, with race playing a determining factor.

The report said that despite three decades after the end of white minority rule, Apartheid, 10% of South Africa's white population still owns 80.6% of the country's financial assets.