Volunteers called in as zoo strike intensifies

August 21 2009, 7:27:00

Volunteers have been called in to assist at the Pretoria National Zoo to ensure the animals are being properly cared for as National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) affiliated workers continued their strike over a wage dispute.

Striking Pretoria Zoo workers threw rubbish at the entrance to the National Zoological Gardens as the Nehawu strike intensifies. Tshwane University of Technology Nature Conservation students are amongst volunteers assisting the zoo while the strike continues.

Managing director of the Zoo, Clifford Nxomani, says they will take steps against striking workers who intimidate or endanger visitors. Zoo management has assured the public that despite the strike, all animals are being properly cared for. Visitors, including thousands of school children on day trips to the zoo, had to dodge between the strikers to gain access. The police were keeping a close watch.

The zoo is a business unit of the National Research Foundation (NRF). While workers were locked in a wage dispute meeting with the NRF, Nehawu has vowed to continue with the strike till their demands are met.

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