By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Western Cape High Court has granted an urgent interdict directing the EFF and its supporters not to harm or threaten people and businesses during its national shutdown on Monday.
The party is expected to take to the streets demanding resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa and end to load shedding, amongst other demands.
The application was brought by the City of Cape Town and Western Cape government.
“It is directed that the permitted march scheduled for 20 March 2023 shall comply with the law, including the regulations of gatherings Act of 1993 together with all terms and conditions contained in the agreement reached,” Judge Mark Sher said in his ruling.
“The supporters of EFF are interdicted and restrained from harassing, intimidating, threatening anyone, participating in, or inciting others to participate in unlawful conduct or unlawful protest action, inciting violence directly or indirectly.
“Inciting looting, shutting down schools, businesses, government buildings, preventing people from attending place of their employment or taking public transport, the interdict shall apply in the province of the Western Cape.”
Cape Town Mayor Gordon Hill-Lewis welcomed the interdict, saying the city intends to be fully open for business on Monday.
“We welcome the court extending the interdict to include protection of private property as well as public infrastructure, we are well prepared to ensure that Capetonians are able to go about their daily business on Monday.
“We will enforce this interdict and uphold the rule of law. Should any damage to public infrastructure occur, the city will not hesitate to lay a civil claim against the EFF. There will be no national shutdown in Cape Town, our economy does not have time for that.”
Western Cape premier Alan Winde also welcomed the interdict.
“I hope this interdict sends a clear, unambiguous message to anyone intent on shutting down our province and the country next Monday.
“I trust that all aspects of the interdict will be adhered to. Those who proceed with intimidating residents who want to go to work on Monday must face the consequences of their actions,” he said.
“We will not allow individuals to behave irresponsibly or place the safety of many thousands of people at risk.”
The primary EFF march is from Hanover Street in Cape Town from 11:00 via Darling Street to Parliament to hand over a memorandum of demands.