The Labour Dept report also says the manufacturing and mining sectors were hit hardest by lengthy strikes.

JOHANNESBURG – Strikes cost South Africa R6 billion in wages in 2014, lower than the previous year despite a record five-month strike in the mining sector, a report published by the Department of Labour showed on Monday.

In its annual report on strikes in Africa’s most advanced economy, the department found they cost the country last year 9 percent less than the R6.7 billion recorded in 2013.

The manufacturing and mining sectors were hit hardest by lengthy strikes. Mining accounts for 7 percent of GDP while manufacturing represents 14 percent.

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