Sending a parcel to South Africa might be a long process at the moment, as unions are taking strike action.

Members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) are striking in order to implement a uniform job evaluation system.

The strike affects many areas of the public sector as well as the post, including buses and waste disposal.

The authorities have assured postal service users that there is a contingency plan in place, but they should try to make alternative arrangements where possible.

Clearly, this is difficult with parcels, so anyone from the UK dealing with South African businesses or individuals may face some delay unless they use a courier service.