The EFF is planning to bring the country to a standstill on Monday 20 March as they protest over rolling blackouts. But police minister Bheki Cele says Monday will be a normal working day and that no number of threats will disrupt the norm. Cele was addressing the media during a briefing together with by security cluster ministers and minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

 BUSINESS AS USUAL

Cele also said no form of violence and criminality will be tolerated during Monday's planned protest by the EFF. "We want to reiterate that Monday will be a normal working day for all South Africans, and no amount of threats will disrupt the norm. Monday is a working day, and we assure every citizen that they must and should go on with their business as usual without any fear from anyone,' Cele said.  He encouraged communities to report any form of criminality to and intimidation to their nearest police station. "We will ensure that businesses continue to operate on the day and roads are accessible, all government services will be available as normal.,' said Cele. 

UNCONSTITUONAL

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has labelled the shutdown as unconstitutional.  Ntshavheni said that the regime change through unconstitutional means will not happen in South Africa. "Anyone with ambitions to govern this country must wait to contest the 2024 general elections. Attempts to cause disruption and disturbances in the country will be met with the full might of the law. People should not be fooled. If people are not at work, it's because people had long planned since March 2022 that they are going on holiday." she said.

SANDF ON STANDBY

Defence Minister Thandi Modise said soldiers will be on standby to work together with the police. She added that the Defence Force had capacity and that the country will be protected and not be violated on the day. Modise added that one weakness for the security cluster was that people were allowed to use social media to plan riots and intimidate others. "This time we will not let it go. That is a weakness that we will not accept. We want to caution against the spreading of messages of fear, intimidation or inflammatory statements that could incite violence. This is a criminal offence. We are aware of many social media accounts claiming that hundreds and thousands of followers are being mobilised to support the protest." Modise added.

SANTACO WILL NOT PARTICIPATE 

The SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) said the taxi industry will run as usual. In a statement, Santaco said following a meeting with the leadership of the EFF, they decided that the Taxi Industry will not participate in the planned shutdown. "The 20th of March 2023 will be a normal working day for the Taxi Industry." the statement read. However, Putco announced that their services will be suspended on Monday. The Bus company said they have made a risk assessment following the announcement of the shutdown and have decided to prioritise safety.