Thousands of workers across the country took part in a national strike against the implementation of the proposed minimum wage, organised by the newly formed South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), with Johannesburg CBD being brought to a standstill by a seas of red-clad workers.

The main march in Gauteng began at Newtown Precinct Park and organisers said they were overwhelmed by the number of people who attended the march against exploitative working conditions and the national minimum wage of R20 an hour.

Major businesses in the CBD were closed for day.

General Secretary of Saftu Zwelinzima Vavi said the federation applied for a permit for 7,500 marchers but said he estimated the number to be far more than they anticipated.

"This has not been seen in South Africa in a very long time, we are very happy," Vavi said. "In some areas, the national bus strike affected us. But we thank all those who offered their cars to make this national shutdown possible."

The streets were flooded with the crowd who sang anti-Ramaphosa songs and holding placards mocking the state president.