In the early hours of 20 March, young and old people mobilised in the streets for the National Shutdown orchestrated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Thousands of South Africans have taken to the streets to peacefully protest against the energy crisis in South Africa and to demand that President Cyril Ramaphosa step down. Although many South African celebrities may not engage in political activities or rarely share their opinions, this is what some celebrities have to say about the National Shutdown.

L'VOVO

Durban Musician L'vovo says that the National Shutdown means that people are tired, especially the youth. "The unemployment rate is too high and artists want to be taken seriously,' he says. "I support it. It is time that our views and needs are taken seriously. This is not normal. People are poor and hungry, there is no electricity, and in some areas, water supply is an issue. I wish that the government can be proactive in creating employment for people especially those who are educated. We wish to see more young people in parliament, who understand and can tackle politics from a fresh perspective. This electricity issue needs to come to an end.'

PEARL THUSI

Actress and TV presenter Pearl Thusi says the energy crisis has gotten out of hand. "You know- Cyril Ramaphosa doesn't care about the people, more especially the youth of South Africa. He's literally led this country into the darkness,' she says. "With the port plunging into an abyss of unemployment and hopelessness. Some children are even learning in the darkness. Our president doesn't seem to care about anything. How effective do you think the national shutdown will be?'

?EUGENE MTHETHWA

Activists and Trompies member, Eugene Mthethwa says that he supports the national shutdown. "It is an awakening that needs to happen. We can't afford to have the nation quiet when things are going wrong. The fight is not only for politicians but as a democratic state, we have a constitutional right as citizens to raise our voices. When it comes to a national level, it means that people are enough.' Eugene says the state of the country has affected him directly and indirectly. "My livelihood has been affected. Loadshedding has affected my work and I have had to close down my edit studio.' Eugene is currently at Mega Watt Park to show his support and discontentment with the state of the country. "I wish to see a government that we were promised before 1994, that cares for its people, that is zero tolerant of corruption and led by people who are selfless. The people we celebrated long before 1994 stood up for the poor, dejected masses, and less privileged. In the Apartheid era, I don't remember a day when we missed the truck that comes to collect our rubbish. We never had water shut for six days and power off for hours. So we can't be worse than the Apartheid era."

?BABSI MCINGA

Author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Babsi Mcinga says that "South Africa cannot afford to be violated in any kind of anarchy after we just found our balance from the new normal of COVID-19, lockdown, KZN floods,' she says. "As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, I foresee a long-term recession and poverty especially in rural communities should this National Shutdown be supported." Babsi does not support the shutdown. "I'm against the national shutdown and wish for a peaceful and united South Africa. I call upon Royal Houses to engage their Kingdoms and educate them about supporting such campaigns that lead them with no food, no jobs, and no houses and the politicians fighting each other don't experience the disaster left after these riots. Political parties were started by Churches and Kings not politicians and I think it's time for African monarchies to cooperate with Churches to fight this disaster we are faced with and bring stability.

LADY DU
Musician Lady Du says she is in support of the National shutdown. "I just don't approve of any violence. It is very weird that after the national shutdown, electricity came back. People need to stop looking at who is doing it and mobilising it and start realising that we are in a crisis and if we don't talk or fight for our rights, nothing will be solved,' she says. "So, I think because of the separation and division in our country, we always tend to look at who is doing what instead of the purpose,' she adds. "So, Yes, I am in full support of the shutdown and people having a voice to fight everything working against us. A privileged person will not feel the pain of the person struggling to buy bread. Can we not think like privileged people and consider the poor everyday South Africans who cannot work, eat, support their families, and cannot even create employment for themselves because the odds are against them.'?

AMAZA NTSHANGA
Umhlobo Wenene presenter Amaza Ntshanga neither supports nor opposes the national Shutdown. "I think what's important to remember the objectives of the shutdown," he says. "The conditions under which South Africans have been living have been devastating for both individuals and businesses. There needs to be a solution, especially if we are to ensure a better future for our children.

AYANDA THABETHE?

Responding to Fikile Mbalula calling the National Shutdown a flop, TV host, Ayanda Thabethe says, "The biggest flop is a party having to feel like they have to resort to this in order to get basic service delivery for the people. The biggest flop is having enough resources to fight a shutdown but not enough resources to do the same to make this country safe."