South Africa civil servants go on strike over wages
The government's final offer of 3% was rejected by the union, who remained steadfast in their demand for a 6% pay raise.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
A statewide strike by hundreds of thousands of South African civil servants is being held in protest of their pay and working conditions.
It was the first significant public employee strike in a decade, according to the local media.
In various government agencies and airports, difficulties are anticipated.
The Public Servants' Association (PSA) decided to stage a full-scale shutdown in South Africa's major cities after staging lunchtime pickets for weeks.
It comes after the union and the government's negotiations broke down.
The government's final offer of 3% was rejected by the union, who remained steadfast in their demand for a 6% pay raise.
Passport, death, and driver's license issuance, among other services, will be impacted.
Airport authorities have cautioned travelers to come at least four hours before departure time as a result of the potential for delays at passport check due to the ongoing industrial action.
