National Shutdown: Here is everything you need to know so far

National Shutdown: Here is everything you need to know so far Photos:Twitter

National Shutdown: Here is everything you need to know so far

Here is everything you need to know so far about the planned National Shutdown scheduled for Monday, 20 March.

National Shutdown: Here is everything you need to know so far

National Shutdown: Here is everything you need to know so far Photos:Twitter

The National Shutdown is planned for Monday. Here is everything that you need to know so far. 

PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA ISSUED A WARNING TO THE EFF

President Cyril Ramaphosa has now broken his silence on the nationwide protest.

He issued a stern warning to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and other organisations involved in the planned national shutdown that disorder and anarchy would not be tolerated.

DISORDER AND ANARCHY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

Speaking at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, Ramaphosa said while the right to protest was enshrined in the Constitution, the only way of getting him out of office would be through a vote, not an attempt to overthrow the government.

“Coercing others to act in a way that you want is not a part of our democratic architecture and I wanted to say, very clearly: disorder and anarchy will not be allowed in South Africa.

“We will not allow those who want to spread anarchy to do what they like, here.”

Ramaphosa

SECURITY FORCES WOULD NOT HESITATE TO USE FORCE

The president furthermore warned the EFF that security forces would not hesitate to use force against those who infringed on the rights of others.

“Security forces in our country are going to defend our people. If you are going to intimidate them and unleash violence our security forces are going to defend the people of South Africa – that, I must clear.”

There has been growing criticism over the party’s plans to mobilise hundreds of EFF members, citizens, and other organisations next week to demand an end to load shedding and for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign.

HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW THUS FAR:

Malema addressed the public on Wednesday, ahead of the party’s looming nationwide shutdown.

  • Clinics and hospitals will be accessible 
  • No starting or ending point 
  • This is a protest, NOT a march. 
  • No permit granted for National Shutdown
  • Businesses warned NOT to open on Monday.
  • Promises of no violence -‘This is a peaceful protest’.
  • Santaco confirmed that Taxi’s will be operating as normal.
  • All Government services will be available as normal.
  • Law enforcement officers will be out in their numbers
  • PUTCO bus services is suspended for Monday.
  • Roads will be empty and strategic routes leading to Midrand and Sandton will be CLOSED on Monday.

ALSO READ: Santaco – Taxis won’t take part in National Shutdown

THESE ROADS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS NO-GO ZONES THUS FAR:

The EFF identified these roads so far as no-go zones on Monday: 

  • Midrand offramps from N1, to New Road, Allandale, 
  • N3, will be closed off,
  • Grayston Drive, Marlboro,
  • Jan Smut Avenue, Empire Road 
  • Joe Slovo 

ALSO READ: NATIONAL SHUTDOWN: Malema warns of possible revolution

POLICE ARE ON HIGH ALERT 

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said said that the national joint operational and intelligence structure is on high alert for any signs of unrest on the day of the planned EFF protest.

“We will not tolerate any lawlessness and any act of criminality if people are found to be looting, if people are found to be distracting any property whether be it private or public property. They will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the law.”

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe

ALSO READ: WATCH: Julius Malema – ‘We are JESUS’