The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has issued a call for a ‘shutdown’ in the Western Cape on Monday, 2 October. The South African National Taxi Alliance (NTA) has distanced itself from the EFF’s proposed shutdown, despite the fact that the release of impounded taxis is one of the party’s stated reasons for the protest.
Also read: No shutdown in Cape Town on Monday says JP Smith
The party is rallying for a provincial shutdown and has scheduled a protest at the Ndabeni Municipal Complex in Cape Town for Monday.
THE UNITY OF THE LEFT PROVINCIAL SHUTDOWN
The days of the @Our_DA led @CityofCT draconian rule & racism are OVER.
For too long have the poorest of the poor & working class been treated with disdain by the DA led government.
The time has come to stand & say; ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! pic.twitter.com/jMOsVBBgCM
— EFF_Western Cape (@EFFWesternCape_) September 21, 2023
Santaco’s deputy chairperson, Nceba Enge, confirmed that while the taxi association acknowledges the protest it won’t be partaking in the shutdown planned for Monday.
On Wednesday, Reagen Allen, the MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, convened a meeting with district executive mayors and senior officials from provincial departments, district municipalities and the SAPS to evaluate the state of readiness within the province regarding the planned EFF ‘shutdown’ protest.
Minister Allen said the teams are prepared and any attempts to incite chaos will be met with the full force of the law.
‘We will be working closely with SAPS and law enforcement and holding them to account to ensure that businesses can open, that those needing to get to work, can do so.’
Malcolm Pojie, the police spokesperson clarified that they were informed about a scheduled march, rather than a provincial shutdown and confirmed that no taxis would be involved in the protest.
According to Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith, the directorate was aware of the planned EFF march, adding that the party had applied for a peaceful protest permit with conditions, including refraining from intimidating city staff, entering the Ndabeni pound, and excluding taxis from the procession.
‘Some political parties and civic organisations will join their march including the South African National Civics Association, limited to 1000 participants,’ he explained.
The City has a contingency plan in place and is prepared for a situation where the protest escalates into violence or causes traffic disruptions. This plan includes strategies for managing public disorder and violence, leveraging technologies like drones and CCTV for a more efficient response.
JP Smith warned, ‘The City will not hesitate to pursue criminal and civil legal action against organisers or political parties responsible for gatherings or protests resulting in violence or damage to public or private property.’
Minister Allen requested that protestors demonstrate compassion for their fellow citizens and march in a peaceful and orderly manner.
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Picture: EFF / Twitter