Striking workers prevented non striking workers from entering hospitals and mortuaries in the greater Durban area.

Known as Bafana, the group moved from one government institution to another to bring a “total shut-down” of government services.

“We have shut down St Aidan's, RK Khan, Inkosi Albert Luthuli, Addington and King Edward hospitals,” said Bafana Bafana spokesman Sivuyile Ntshoko, who is also the chairman of the King Edward branch of the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu).

Nehawu is an affiliate of the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu). Cosatu and the Independent Labour Caucus (ILC) announced a nationwide strike on Tuesday after their members rejected the government's offer of a seven percent salary increase and a R700 monthly housing allowance.

The unions want an 8.6 percent and a R1000 housing allowance.

At King Edward hospital, health care workers were protesting outside while monitored by police officers.

Ntshoko said his group had closed government mortuaries and would bring ambulance services to a standstill before the end of Thursday.

He also said they would deal with temporary staff during the strike.

Bafana Bafana's attempt to remove non striking workers at the eThekwini health district office failed because security guards would not open the gates.