Tens of thousands protest in South Africa

"The logic of those who say that the poor do not use our motorways, except by public transport, is that they should be permanently excluded from access to the best roads. They must find the potholed side-roads to get from A to B, while the rich glide along in their fancy cars," Vavi said. "Good health and education services currently belong to the wealthier sections of society, who can afford to pay. We do not want yet another addition to the list."

On labor brokers, the ANC said a solution would be found at the negotiating table, not on the streets. Business organizations have said marches could send potential foreign investors the message that South Africa is unstable.

Solidarity, a small union seen as representing white workers and often at odds with COSATU, called for those who did not want to march to support the protest by honking their horns as they passed tolling stations. Solidarity also has called for posting protest messages on social media platforms.