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While unswerving in its support for the public-sector strike, the Congress of South Africa Trade Unions has consistently condemned all acts of violence and lawlessness which have been committed by a minority of both sides.

The federation deplores in particular the attack on a Johannesburg nurse which left her seriously injured. We apologise to her and send her best wishes for a full recovery.

COSATU has always prided itself on its members' high levels of discipline in strikes and demonstrations. They have been militant and angry, but also peaceful, lawful and orderly. This has been the case with the overwhelming majority of the activities during this public sector strike.

COSATU will not however tolerate or condone any violent or threatening behaviour, which, as our affiliate DENOSA has said, is a "foreign trend which has no place in the working class struggle". It undermines the widespread public support for the striking workers, which has been overwhelmingly positive, but is threatened by the irresponsible actions of a small minority.

COSATU unions will never stop fighting for higher wages and better working conditions for its members, and struggling to advance the national democratic revolution. But we shall always insist that this should be carried out in a way that wins the support of the big majority of South Africans and rallies them behind the workers' struggle.