Several South African Revenue Services (Sars) branches will remain closed due to a nationwide wage strike.

Workers affiliated with the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) have downed their tools following wage negotiations reaching a deadlock.

Unions are calling for a 13 percent wage increase, citing the high cost of living in South Africa.

However, Sars is only willing to offer a 1.3 percent increase plus some gratuity.

Meanwhile, the PSA’s Reuben Maleka says both Nehawu and the PSA has rejected Sars proposal.