Muhammad Bham | mbham@radioislam.co.za
15th March 2023| 10:00 AM CAT
3 min read

Photo Credit: Head Topics

Businesses in Lenasia will open as usual on the 20th of March 2023, despite the EFF calling for a National Shutdown.

Burhaan from Dawood’s Mega Store said that the store would trade per usual, but they would also trade very cautiously.

The management at Signet Terrace said they received correspondence on the 8th of March 2023 regarding the National Shutdown on the 20th of March 2023.

The correspondence was circulated in pamphlets, and a formal letter was given to the Signet Terrace office.

EFF leader Julius Malema called on angry and frustrated South Africans from all walks of life to take to the streets for the national shutdown on Monday, the 20th of March.

Malema posted a video message on the party’s social media accounts calling on unemployed people concerned about load shedding, crime, corruption, and gender-based violence to join the shutdown and show they are tired.

However, opposition leaders have voiced concerns about shutdowns.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said there was no economic freedom if the economy was shut down.

“I’m deeply concerned by the call by the EFF for a national and, in this case, a provincial-wide shutdown. The theme that is following this call for a shutdown is one of violence and looting, and that is absolutely unacceptable.”

Winde warned that there would be consequences for anyone engaging in the shutdown.

“We cannot allow businesses not to open. We’ve got to make sure that we have SAPS and our law enforcement officers on site to protect others’ rights on the 20th, and we will do so.”

When Julius Malema speaks of the need to use violence to reach the EFF’s revolutionary objectives, it is helpful to bear in mind Benito Mussolini’s call that armed action was ‘needed at once, or we shall never do it, which was followed by the ‘March on Rome’ and consequent collapse of the Italian government.

Protests by Economic Freedom Fighters, in parliament or on the streets, have always been marked by violence, reminiscent of confrontations and political tactics of fascism.

Meanwhile, Lethal Forces CEO Shahim Ismail has reiterated that everyone will be protected, saying they are prepared to serve with the Joint Operation Centre (JOC) at the Trade Route Mall.

The police, CPF, and security companies will use this centre to respond to any distress calls in the Lenasia area.

Listen to the report here.