South Africa's COSATU leads union protests over high cost of living

South Africa's labour unions Congress of South Africa Trade Unions (COSATU), South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) and other unions, carry placards during a nationwide strike over the high cost of living, in Pretoria, South Africa, August 24, 2022. REUTERS/Esa Alexander

PRETORIA/CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Hundreds of South Africans protested in Pretoria and Cape Town on Wednesday against inflation that has soared to a 13-year high, in an action led by trade union group COSATU, a long-time ally of the ruling African National Congress.

Labour unrest often affects sectors such as mining during wage negotiations, but it is rare for COSATU, South Africa's biggest union, to lead a national protest.