By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) shutdown had not developed into the mass action the party had punted, even though it pre-emptively described the shutdown as a success.
The protest action was characterised by small skirmishes, and in parts of the country, it was reported that demonstrators had used rocks and burning tyres to block roads.
Despite the lukewarm turnout, the EFF claimed their campaign was a success.
The party said one of the major successes of the shutdown was reduced stages of load shedding, even before it officially even began.
“It is because of the national shutdown that South Africa has moved from Stage 4 to Stage 1 over the past four days, and [load shedding] was even suspended [on Sunday],” EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys said in a statement on Monday.
But Eskom said in a statement of its own that due to a significantly lower-than-anticipated demand for electricity, load shedding had been suspended at 11:00 on Monday to 16:00 on Tuesday, 21 March, when Stage 2 load shedding would be implemented.
“We are not fearful at all, [we] will not be intimidated by any soldier, and will not be intimidated by any policeman, added Mathys.
Police Minister Bheki Cele says it is business as usual with people commuting to work despite the planned national shutdown taking place.
“There has been a few incidents few but I saw nothing indicating a shutdown because a shutdown is when life stops, that is how it is organized. The situation been normal I checked eThekwini life is normal and I checked Cape Town, life is normal,” Cele said.
The Minister was also on the helicopter that was monitoring various areas in Gauteng.
Addressing members of the media in Soweto, Cele said that police had responded to the few incidents where people attempted to break the law.
The Minister was visiting families that were affected by the public violence and malicious damage to property after an explosion caused damage to a house in Pimville, Soweto. There were injuries that were reported as a result of the incident.
“Clearly, there is thuggery and criminality. The damage seems to be significant and it does look like the explosion was powerful. We hope the police will be able to find the perpetrators. We are taking the matter seriously, that is why our forensic people and Hawks are here,” Cele said.
Eastern Cape police vow to protect the public
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in in the Eastern Cape says various security measures have been put in place to ensure that lawlessness, possible damage to property and looting are prevented.
The SAPS in concert with other law enforcement agencies in the Eastern Cape have confirmed that all forces are ready to protect lives and property during the planned national protest.
“All law enforcement forces have already been deployed throughout the province, in identified strategic points and hotspots. The SAPS is confident and also wants to ensure that the people of Eastern Cape including their property remain protected,” the SAPS said.
The SAPS said the deployment of massive security forces will not in any way disrupt the normal day to day activities of the public, but it is meant to ensure that the public will be able to go about their normal business and remain safe and protected from any possible intimidation or harm by opportunistic criminal elements.
“As such, the SAPS management has warned all those whose intentions is to create disorder in the province to rethink their plans or face the strong arm of the law. Whilst the police recognise the constitutional right of every individual to protest, unruly behaviours and criminality will however not be tolerated,” the SAPS said.
Business as usual in Free State
The Mantsopa Local Municipality in the Free State has confirmed that it is business as usual as local taxis are ferrying community members to and from town despite the planned national shutdown.
In a statement on Monday, Mantsopa Local Municipality (MLM) Mayor Mamsie Tsoene said all the retail shops, banks, filling stations, government departments, tuck-shops, eateries and so on, were opened and employees reported for duty.
The Mayor lauded law enforcement officers who are currently deployed around Mantsopa jurisdiction to ensure that there are no acts of violence, lawlessness and criminality throughout the municipality.
Around 9am a handful of protesters barricaded the road in Ladybrand, Manyatseng, near “Corner left”, however, the South African Police Services (SAPS) have since cleared the road.
These protesters have since relocated near Itumeleng Community Hall and the police are now closely monitoring the situation.
Tsoene has thanked all the law-abiding community members who have distanced themselves from this act of anarchy.
She warned the residents that anyone who will be found to be contravening the law will be arrested and face the full might of the law.
Ladybrand Police Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Dlamini, has said that the law enforcement officers are on high alert and will make sure that they maintain public order, uphold and enforce the law and make sure that the properties are not vandalised.
North West authorities monitor protests
The North West Provincial Government has assured residents that the rule of law will be enforced to ensure the safety of communities during today’s planned national shutdown.
North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape said law enforcement agencies will be monitoring the situation.
“The provincial government recognizes and respects the rights of citizens and political parties to protest and will also ensure that the rights of non-protesting citizens are protected. Intimidation, damage to property and threats to human life will not be tolerated,” the Premier said.
This as the Economic Freedom Fighters have embarked on a national shutdown.
Accordingly, security at all government buildings in the province will be stepped-up to ensure that government properties and employees, who will be on duty, are protected.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that communities’ rights to have unrestricted movements and access to government services are not compromised, hence the assurance that their safety is guaranteed on the day of the protest.
“As the country is commemorating Human Rights Month, our focus is on promoting respect for basic human rights for all and consolidating government efforts towards accelerating delivery of services to the people, creating work opportunities for the unemployed and critically, growing our economy,” Maape said.
Nelson Mandela Bay rejects calls for a shutdown
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality says it strongly condemns the call for a shutdown in the city and will not tolerate any incitement to commit violence or intimidation of those who do not wish to participate.
“The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality will not shutdown during these tough economic times we need to open our economy – not shut it down,” the Mayor’s Office said.
“Whilst we respect the right to protest, South Africa is a Constitutional State that subscribes to the rule of law.”
The city said the planned protests led by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) falls on the day before we celebrate Human Rights Day on 21 March 2023, when many South Africans celebrate the dignity afforded to them by the South African Constitution.
“We want to assure the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay that 20 March 2023 will be a normal business day, contrary to the pronouncement by those advocating for any disruption.”
The municipality said it has put measures in place to ensure that everyone who wants to go to work, travel for leisure and conduct business on this day does so in a safe and secure environment.
In addition, the city said anyone who intimidates, stops anyone from going to work, barricades the roads and highways and uses any form of violence to try and stop people from going on with their lives will face the full might of the law.
The Executive Mayor, Retief Odendaal, said the safety of citizens, property and infrastructure remains as the top priority.
“The impact of the planned shutdown will also have a significant impact on the city’s economy, and we cannot allow that. As an employee, you have the right to go to your place of employment; nobody can deprive you of that. The problem with the South African economy is that it’s not inclusive, but you won’t get a more inclusive economy by shutting it down.”
Ethekwini Municipality assures residents’ safety during shutdown
The Ethekwini Municipality has assured residents of their safety during today’s planned national shutdown with measures implemented.
In a statement on Monday, the Municipality said that this includes additional Metro Police officers being deployed to all communities in response to the shutdown by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
“The City assures the public that all roads in eThekwini are clear and safe for motorists to use. The Metro Police is out in full force to guard against any criminal activity and lawlessness.
“The M25, from Dube Village to Bester, has been cleared following a brief closure earlier this morning. The Metro Police, South African Police Service, and other law enforcement agencies are ready to respond swiftly to any reported disruptions,” the Municipality said.
The Municipality said that so far, there have been no reports of looting or violent protests reported.