South Africa braces for ‘national shutdown’ as opposition announces protests
Government deploys thousands of soldiers to support police in maintaining law and order
JOHANNESBURG
South Africans are nervously awaiting a “national shutdown” Monday announced by the radical opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, which wants the country to come to a standstill due to a number of grievances.
Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, the third largest party in parliament, said South Africans are tired of rolling power cuts being implementing daily, corruption and unemployment among other issues.
The party is demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa step down because he is allegedly not running the country properly.
“On the 20th of March, we have to shut down this country to show the whole world that we are concerned about the state of affairs. We can’t fold our arms,” Malema said in a video message on the weekend.
He said the shutdown could be the beginning of an unstoppable revolution. The party has requested non-essential workers to remain home or join the protest.
Ramaphosa warned Thursday that the EFF’s planned protests were not a mere shutdown but an attempt to overthrow the government.
On Sunday, he informed parliament that 3,474 members of the South African National Defense Force have been deployed to support the police in the prevention and combating of crime and preservation of law and order.
Related topics
EU's Borrell condemns Russia’s decision to update its nuclear doctrine
FACTBOX - ATACMS: What to know about the US missiles Ukraine used to attack Russia
Russian ruble weakens to 1-year low amid escalating tensions
Georgia's president files lawsuit with country's Constitutional Court to annul election results
World Children's Day should be about celebration, not survival, UNICEF says reminding Gaza and Lebanon
