The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has earmarked 20 March 2023 for a National Shutdown with the aim of seeing all schools, businesses, retail stores and public roads closed.
According to the EFF, the National Shutdown is a demand for a constant supply of electricity and the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
With the political party determined to bring an already fragile country to a grinding halt, the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) pledged its support in assisting with the mass action, mere days away.
On Thursday, 8 March 2023, SAFTU issued a notice informing all members of the federation, as well as non-members that they would be protected on the day of action.
“No worker will be victimised for participating into a battle to defendworkers and the working class,” the federation said in its notice. The Land Party South Africa has also garnished its support, urging all its members to join in on the day of national action.
In a notice, the Land Party said, “Do not risk your life and go to work as your safety is not guaranteed because various political formations will be organising activities on the day.” Whereby the party also urged its members not to carry weapons or burn tyres.
Furthermore, the Democratised Transport Logistics and Allied Workers Union (DETAWU), and the South African Industrial Commercial and Allied Workers Union (SAICAWU) will also be participating in the National Shutdown.
With the EFF gaining support and counting the days until the launch of the National Shutdown, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Shadow Minister of Police Andrew Whitfield said, The DA has written to Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, to highlight “the imminent threat posed to the economy, public and private infrastructure, as well as the safety of citizens, by the Economic Freedom Fighters’ job killing National Shutdown on 20 March.”
“South Africa’s fragile economy cannot withstand a national shutdown which will cripple struggling small businesses and leave many more people unemployed,” stressed Whitfield.
He further emphasised that the DA has called on Minister Bheki Cele and the SAPS to issue a strong statement clearly stating their position on the National Shutdown and also to assure South Africans that the SAPS and the entire security cluster are on standby to respond to violence.
“The violent unrest of July 2021 took the SAPS by surprise. This time they have been forewarned and should therefore be forearmed to preempt, prevent and respond to any threats of violence or efforts to destabilise the country,” noted Whitfield.
In response, Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, pointed out that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) has begun preparing for the day.
She further noted that while plans are being implemented to secure law and order, the SAPS is urging all South Africans to avoid engaging in criminal acts and adhere to the country’s laws.
As the EFF’s planned shutdown draws closer, what are your thoughts on the situation? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 15
Malema should be arrested and jailed NOW to avoid his treason on Monday.
I don’t side with the strike or stay away, The political party members are being paid for the day of stay away. None of them can donate from their salaries to compensate to the needy. Stop this nonsense.
My answer ..
1. if a person doesn’t go to work then a days salary should be docked from salaries which a lot of people can’t afford to lose;
2. The Police shouldn’t be allowed to strike;
Anybody who has not loadshadding in their hood raise your hands!!!
Please stop giving these people Air Time. Ignore and don’t publish.
Look like eff is more stronger then government
We got kids to look after
We have to pay bills n school fee n all
Well EFF does not have intellectuals to rule the country. It is now time for solutions to our existing challenges and problems. The EFF destructive approach and desruption of the parliament sessions won’t help ordinary South Africans with anything. We want a political party that debates issues that will improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Citizens must never make a mistake to vote EFF in to power if they don’t want to regret for the rest of their lives. Lastly Saps is not capable of protecting us at all. The intelligence of country is fast asleep. The country is on the time bomb of 21 July violence unrest. High unemployment rate is a triggering factor of violence and unrest. History will repeat itself.
Citizens must lay charges at their local SAPS against Malema for incitement. If he has 1000s of charges to answer then Dali and Co will be kept busy and Malema and his funders will be spending money. Harass him back like he harasses all South Africa Citizens with his bs.
Just another negative day in our negative country again,what a shame
It’s absolutely ridiculous. Our economy and small businesses are struggling as it is. Our rights and freedom of choice us being taken away from us, and yet they are allowing them to do this! Where is the damn government here? Why are the EFF allowed to run riot as they please? Why is Malema still running around like a chick with no head!!?? Should have he’s wings removed too!!!!
We don’t have a president in charge of the country and agree that the president should call it a day let someone with some guts to take over.
However shutting down the country will only hurt the vulnerable people who will lose jobs
because of the predicted looting and destruction of businesses.
He doesn’t care about the vulnerable people who’s lives he’s going to make worse. He’ll be celebrating on the evening of 20th March in a fancy restaurant in Sandton eating fillet steak and washing it down with Dom Perignon. A classic Gucci socialist. Oh yes and his dining entourage will include that wyt monopoly capitalist man Mazzotti….😏
Go on with the strike malema, people have already lost their jobs bcuz of loadsheading
Am I the ONLY one to see this as a challenge to our present government and rule of law???!! If the EFF and unions are allowed to get away with this, not only is it an absolute indictment on the ability of our government to manage anything, but just as dangerously for a growing democracy it is a glaring reflection of the inability of SAPS to do what they are mandated to do.
Who is paying Malema salary?is he going to loose one day salary.concerned
BM