Johannesburg  - South Africa's third-largest city of Durban was brought to a standstill Wednesday as thousands of workers heeded union calls for a strike over spiralling food, fuel and other costs.

A spokeswoman for the Durban Chamber of Commerce reported absenteeism of about 80 per cent in labour-intensive companies in the port city.

Shops in the normally bustling city centre remained closed as thousands of protestors marched through the city. Public transport also ground to a halt, with taxi operators and bus drivers heeding union warnings not to operate.

Durban Port Authority however reported minimal disruption.

The stayaway was called by the powerful Confederation of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), which is also a partner in the country's ruling alliance led by the African National Congress. (dpa)