Cosatu warns of riots over soaring food prices

Cosatu is calling for mass action against the high cost of living

Riots over soaring food prices cannot be ruled out in South Africa. The cost of basic foods has risen sharply around the world in recent months, sparking violent protests in many countries.

Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven says this is why it is necessary to channel the anger into peaceful protests. The labour federation started a protest march against rising food, fuel and electricity prices in Polokwane on Sunday and today protestors will march in the North West. On Thursday, Gauteng and the Western Cape will be targeted.

Meanwhile, the price of milk is also expected to rise by about 10 c, at the end of the month but milk producers say this is not enough to cover their rising cost of production. They say many farmers are closing shop as they battle to survive.

Milk producers say they only receive R2,80 out of nearly R9 paid by consumers for a litre of milk. Farmers in the Free State want government, to fix the price of milk at a level which will consider their input costs. They also want to establish a milk exchange where buyers bid for milk.