The walkout in the platinum belt caused South Africa 's economy to contract in the first quarter and has raised fears it could lead the country into its second recession in five years. STRIKE SEASON South Africa is nearing the beginning of its annual "strike season", in which unions negotiate with employers and sometimes strike when talks go sour. A NUMSA walkout would weigh on key sectors such as auto parts supply and steel production, and could halt work on building projects that include power utility Eskom's Kusile and Medupi power stations. The rand has shed about 6.5 percent since June last year, weighed down by sluggish economic growth and high inflation. NUMSA said it was in separate wage negotiations talks with ArcelorMittal South Africa, a unit of the world's top steel maker, and was "very close" to sealing an agreement.