Johannesburg – AfriForum has described the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) “national shutdown” on Monday as a “spectacular failure”.
The police, army and other law enforcement agents were out in full force across the country to prevent any violence, looting, and damage to property.
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“The EFF’s spectacular failure to bring the country to a standstill shows once again that the party has very little support and that the public does not resonate with radical rhetoric,” said Jacques Broodryk, AfriForum spokesperson.
“Although the party tried hard to create the impression on social media that they had disrupted the country, it was clear that most people went about their day as normal.
“Although there were sporadic cases of violence and vandalism by EFF supporters, the cases were isolated.”
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Broodryk added: “Today’s failed attempt by the EFF to disrupt people’s lives makes it clear that the greater majority of the country’s citizens do not share the EFF’s radical views.
“The party also underestimated communities’ readiness to secure their territories.”
Broodryk said AfriForum’s more than 160 neighbourhood watches nationwide have been on standby since yesterday and have responded swiftly where there have been incidents.
“AfriForum’s safety structures will continue to monitor the situation,” said Broodryk.
However, the EFF said it was “pleased with the ongoing national shutdown”.
The EFF national shutdown was meant to press – among other demands – for the end to load-shedding and the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“Many shops, businesses, petrol stations, car dealerships, and courts are not operational as a result of the National Shutdown,” the EFF said.
“This morning, activists came out in their numbers and registered their dissatisfaction against the incompetent government of Cyril Ramaphosa, in the face of intimidation and violence by police and military personnel.
“Many activists who were violated or detained by police in the early hours of this morning have been released and are on the ground determined to exercise their Constitutional right to protest.”
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) expressed “gratitude to all South Africans who did not join the extremist and regressive so-called shutdown” on Monday, (20 March 2023).
“In South Africa, there is no place or tolerance for vigilantism and forceful removal of an incumbent government,” the ANC said.
“The ANC is fully committed to doing what the people of South Africa expect, demand, and deserve.
“The ANC acknowledges that everyone has the right to protest, and in line with the rule of law, all protest actions must be lawful.”
The Bill of Rights enshrined in the constitution says no person or grouping may engage in an illegal protest action or impose their protest action on everyone who does not support it, the ANC said.
