By Theodorah waga Mawasha
POLOKWANE-The national shutdown scheduled for Monday, March 20, will be spearheaded by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The march is aimed at headlining two points, for president Cyril Ramaphosa to resign and end the electricity crisis.
EFF party leader Julius Malema announced in a media briefing at the headquarters on Wednesday that there will be marches in big cities across the country and advised businesses to close down. Malema further urged party members to defend themselves should any law enforcement mete out brutality.
“The right to protest is important and a protected right under the constitution. Fighters, defend yourself. Show them what you can do. We are coming in peace and not fighting anyone but don’t try us”, Malema emphasized.
Malema’s utterances sparked a huge debate amongst organizations that support and those that are against the shutdown.
As such, Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola said that the march is put on high-risk status because there is a reasonable expectation that it may be accompanied by looting, violence and some degree of disorder.
“A large police force will be deployed, with the military and NPA on standby to stop the repeat of 2022 July unrest”, Lamola said.
