Teachers and other supporters of the Cosatu protest action huddled together at the SABC Park in Polokwane on Wednesday.
Seeking reprieve from the chill and drizzle, some chanted and blew their vuvuzelas while others tried to shelter under shop awnings.
Among the crowd, which was dressed in a variety of Cosatu affiliated unions T-shirts, was SA Democratic Teachers Union provincial chairman Ronnie Morwatshehla.
Morwatshehla, who is also Cosatu's provincial chairman, said most teachers were expected to attend the march.
“Sadtu is part of Cosatu and teachers are workers,” he said.
“Every school day, teachers sacrifice their time to work after hours and even offer lessons on weekends but nobody is complaining and they are not thanked for that.
“But now when we stand for our rights, people are complaining,” he said.
The protesters were expected to march to the department of labour, banks and Shoprite-Checkers later on Wednesday. - Sapa