The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) will press ahead with demonstrations outside hospitals and other workplaces on Monday as a nationwide - and at times violent - public servants strike enters its sixth day.

"We have to highlight our plight," said Cosatu spokesperson Mugwena Maluleke.

"We have told our members, there must be no obstruction of entrances and no intimidation. They are allowed to demonstrate outside the hospital, they will just have to keep their distance," Maluleke told Sapa.

Public servant unions, representing some 1,3-million workers, started a strike on Wednesday, demanding an 8,6% salary increase and R1 000 monthly housing allowance.

Both affiliates of Cosatu and the Independent Labour Caucus (ILC) were taking part in the mass action that had been marred by reports of intimidation and serious disruptions of hospital services and teaching at schools.

The government announced last week that it would implement its 7% salary increase and R700 monthly housing allowance offer unilaterally within 21 days.

But Maluleke said that the unions would not stop their action until the Public Service and Administration Department had been forced back to the negotiating table.

"We will strike until the government comes to its senses and goes back to the table and reopens negotiations."

The government has secured a labour court order against intimidation by striking workers and deployed law enforcement officials at hot spots to prevent any further violence.

ILC spokesperson Manie de Clercq said at the weekend that their members would not protest on Monday.

"The strike will continue but it will be different this week because strikers are to stay at home," he said.

Mass marches were scheduled to take place countrywide on Thursday.