South Africa Braces for Protests
On Monday, South Africa was preparing for protests after a left-wing party called for a “national shutdown,” sparking fears of a repeat of deadly unrest from two years ago.
After the third largest party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), urged South Africans to take to the streets and bring the country to a standstill, authorities stated that there would be a heavy police presence to quell any potential violence.
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesman Vincent Magwenya told a press briefing, “The president has instructed law enforcement agencies to ensure that we do not see a repeat of the scenes we witnessed in 2021.”
“It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that citizens are safe and free from anarchy and violence so that they can go about their day normally,”
In July of 2021, at least 350 people were killed as protests sparked by the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma escalated into riots and looting.
The Economic Freedom Fighters are demanding Ramaphosa’s resignation due to his handling of South Africa’s ailing economy, electricity shortages, and sky-high unemployment.
In a statement released on Saturday, the party instructed would-be protesters that their actions “must be militant and radical” but that they must also behave “peacefully” and be on the lookout for “agent provocateurs” attempting to hijack the strike.
“No one can stop a revolution,” Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, told supporters on Friday.
Malema has stated that ports, parliament, border crossings, and the Johannesburg stock exchange will be targeted as key protesting points.
“Lawlessness”
Some businesses that remain open have been threatened with “looting and other forms of violence,” according to Magwenya.
Some have already chosen to lower their blinds.
Last week, Police Minister Bheki Cele stated that officers would be “out in force” to protect those wishing to work, conduct business, or travel.
Others have stated that fears of a nationwide disorder were exaggerated.
Others have distanced themselves from the strike, while a major labor union has announced its participation.
During the final three months of 2022, South Africa’s economy fell below pre-pandemic levels.
The nation has been ravaged by high unemployment, soaring inflation, and waves of blackouts caused by Eskom’s breakdowns and capacity shortages.
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Ramaphosa suggested last week that Malema was vying for political relevance ahead of next year’s national elections.
Nationally, the EFF is receiving less than 15 percent of the vote.
“We are aware of an upcoming protest. It is deceptive to assert that there will be a national shutdown “Friday’s announcement was made by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, which coordinates security operations.
“Everything, from businesses to services, will be accessible and fully functional. We will not tolerate lawlessness and criminal behavior.”
Saturday, a Johannesburg court prohibited the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from shutting down schools, retail stores, businesses, trade, and public roads, as well as inciting violence, in response to a request from South Africa’s leading opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA).
John Steenhuisen, the leader of the DA, stated that while the EFF has every right to protest, it has no right to hold South Africa, hostage.
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