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
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