By Theodorah waga Mawasha
TZANEEN – Operations at Super Spar Tzaneen came to a standstill on Friday, July 4, 2025, as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Labour Desk joined protesting employees in a shutdown over salary increase demands and alleged nepotism.
The protest, now in its fourth consecutive day, began on Tuesday morning with more than 50 employeesdowning tools and staging a peaceful demonstration outside the store.
Workers are demanding a 10% salary increase and an end to what they describe as unfair hiring and promotion practices within the store.
Holding placards and singing struggle songs, the protesting workers vowed not to back down until their demands are addressed.
“We are being overlooked when it comes to promotions. Managers are hiring and promoting their own family members while ignoring the rest of us,” said one employee who spoke to Tzaneen Voice.
The employee added, “There has been complete silence about our calls for salary adjustments. These issues have been ongoing for too long. Our demands are many, and we will not stop until management listens.”
The EFF Labour Desk arrived at the scene on Friday morning, joining the workers and enforcing a complete shutdown of operations at the store.
Among the workers’ demands are:A 10% salary increase,Fair and transparent promotion processes,Improved working conditions and An immediate response from store management.
As of Friday afternoon, Super Spar Tzaneen management had not released an official statement.
Attempts to reach company representatives for comment were unsuccessful.
Protesters have warned that they will intensify their actions if management continues to ignore their concerns. They have also called on the community and local labour unions to support their cause in solidarity.
The situation remains tense, with both workers and EFF representatives vowing to return in the coming days should their demands remain unmet.
