The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and the South African Cabin Crew Association (Sacca) warned on Sunday that passenger safety could not be guaranteed after the airline reinstated international flights.
Two trade unions leading the industrial action claim the national carrier has brought in inexperienced staff to run operations while the strike progresses.
Unions have blamed government and Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan for failing to intervene to rescue the state-owned entity.
Workers are demanding an 8% salary hike, insourcing and an end to retrenchment plans.
One man, who worked as a porter, said that all he wanted was a stable job.
Satawu's Zanele Sabela said that management at the national carrier took decisions unilaterally.
The demonstrators said that while the group was small at this stage, it would grow as the day progressed.
SAA'S acting CFO Deon Fredricks said that management had bent over backwards to make a deal with striking unions but they won't budge.
It's been quite a desperate situation at OR Tambo International Airport for many travellers, some of whom had no back-up plans.
The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (Satawu) says that employers haven't shifted from their offer of 9% for the first year, and 8% for the second.
The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union says employers are standing firm on their wake offer of 9% for 11 months for the first year and then 8% for the second.
Drivers say they will continue picketing outside the offices of various bus companies as commuters make alternative transport plans.
Satawu wanted to go on strike on Wednesday morning but was asked to suspend its plans pending new wage talks.
Workers are demanding a salary hike but are hesitant to put a figure to it, while Teti Traffic is offering 7%.
Workers affiliated with Satawu are expected to go on strike from tomorrow in the Western Cape.
Members of the union yesterday marched on Prasa’s WC offices to hand over a 5-point memorandum.
The union’s Gauteng Secretary was shot dead & its president's home was petrol bombed.
Chris Nkosi was shot five times at an intersection in Germiston.
