By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially filed papers in the North Gauteng High Court against the Economi Freedom Fighters (EFF) planned national shutdown next Monday.
This after the EFF called on business people to close shop on Monday or face consequences. The EFF will lead a shutdown in protest against loadshedding and increasing crime.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, DA leader John Steenhuisen said while the EFF has a right to protest, it should not threaten those who choose not to join the shutdown.
“There is mounting evidence on social media and in public statements by EFF leaders, members and supporters that they are prepared to break the law in pursuit of their political agenda,” Steenhuisen said.
He says the party has written to Police Minister Bheki Cele and President Cyril Ramaphosa to reassure citizens that the security cluster is ready for the mass action.
The party will also press charges against the EFF if there is any damage to property, lives or infrastructure during the shutdown.
Steenhuisen slammed the protest action as not just illegal, but as a “nonsensical demand”.
“It makes no sense to instigate a nationwide shutdown to protest load-shedding. Shutting the economy down for a day will do nothing to solve this problem that has been decades in the making. On the contrary, it will only push South Africa deeper into chaos and poverty.”
“Just as people have the right to protest, they also have the right to not protest, the right to not associate with the protesting organisation and the right to go to school or to work or to operate a business, and to go about their lives unhindered and unobstructed.”
The DA would do whatever it could to protect others’ rights within the law to disassociate from the EFF and its cause, and their rights to go to work and operate businesses, he said.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), it was the responsibility of the EFF to ensure that its planned national shutdown did not turn violent.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) was already putting heads together in preparation for the day.