South African farmer workers block roads in protest for higher wages; police presence is heavy

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa media say striking farmer workers in Western Cape province are blocking roads in several areas as part of a protest for higher wages.

Eyewitness News cited a motorist as saying Wednesday that rocks have been placed on a highway near Grabouw town, and there is a heavy police presence. Protesters are also demonstrating around the town of Wolseley.

The strikers are trying to prevent other farmer hands from going to work. They want their daily wages to be more than doubled to 150 South African rand ($17.5).

Last year, farmers staged similar protests that turned violent, resulting in at least two deaths.

Many farmers work in vineyards in the area. South Africa is a major wine producer.