All systems go, says EFF, who will embark on provincial shutdown on Monday

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Western Cape, is set to embark on a 'provincial shutdown' on Monday, against what it says, the unjust taxi impoundments.

The political party applied for a permit to hold a peaceful protest for about 1 000 participants that will see various political parties and civil organisations, march from the field by Vangate Mall to Ndabeni Municipal Complex.

The EFF says it will also march against socio-economic issues such as gangsterism, drugs and alcohol abuse; collapsed service delivery; unemployment; unlawful evictions; return of building material; racism; crime; electricity tariffs increase and load shedding.

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape, UDM, SANCO, PAC, PMC, and SAFTU, also pledged their support.

The EFF's National Secretary General, Marshall Dlamini, is expected to lead the march

The City of Cape Town said it will be on standby should the protest turn violent.

"These proposed shutdowns occur periodically but rarely materialise or have significant consequences. They mainly cause panic when messages spread through WhatsApp and social media," said JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security.

"We condemn this tactic as it strains City employers already struggling due to load shedding and high fuel costs," he added.

Smith says the City has an operational plan for the day in case any protest becomes violent or disrupts traffic.

"Our operational plan includes provisions for addressing public disorder and violence, using technologies such as drones and CCTV for effective response."

"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. Similar to the actions currently taken by the City in response to the violent protests initiated by the EFF and NCC," added JP Smith, Mayco member for Safety and Security.

The Western Cape's Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, said it will work with SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to ensure law and order. Allen met with District Executive Mayors, along with relevant and senior officials from various provincial departments, district municipalities and the South African Police Service (SAPS, earlier this week, to assess provincial readiness.

"I want to categorically state that lawlessness will not be tolerated. South Africa’s Constitution makes provision for protest, but no person has the right to infringe on the rights of others whilst protesting through violence, intimidation or the destruction of property. I have been assured by the SAPS and law enforcement agencies that any attempts to cause anarchy will be met with the full might 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 or any other appointment, can do so. Nothing ensures greater dignity than a job and being able to feed your loved ones. Fermenting disruptions to people’s daily activities is counterproductive to building our economy and creating a successful society for all of us. I urge protestors to demonstrate compassion for their fellow citizens and marching in a peaceful and orderly manner," added Allen.

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) said taxi's will operate normally on Monday. In a statement, SANTACO urged its regional members to make vehicles available to its members who wish to join the march.

"Members are free to support and participate in the planned march, and SANTACO will not be withholding their services," read the statement.

The EFF said it held its final Multi-Party Forum preparatory meeting at the EFF WC Offices on Friday, to consolidate its logistics for Mondays peaceful demonstrations.

"It’s all systems go for the mass protests where the comfortable will be made uncomfortable and uncomfortable comfortable," said the EFF.

The march is set to start at 9a.m on Monday.

 

Done By: Mitchum George