National shutdown causes work disruptions

The Save SA March is officially underway and while many people are currently on the streets of Johannesburg demonstrating their unhappiness with President Jacob Zuma, there are those who are not taking part due to work commitments.

Some of those wanting to get work done at the office are unable to do so with office buildings closed for the day due to the national shutdown.

Read: An update on the #AntiZumaMarches across the country

For some, this is an inconvenience as some deadlines and meetings which have been on the calendar for months have to be reshuffled. “I had schedules and long-standing appointments but can no longer successfully carry them out due to the shutdown. I completely understand the need for the protests, I just hoped it was on a different day because now the office building is closed for the day,” said resident, Kutlwano who works at an office building in Rosebank.

Kutlwano’s surname has been withheld.

Read: VIDEO: Secret ballot to elect president can be applied to remove Zuma, says Kgalema Motlanthe

When asked if she would join the protests now that she could not go to work, she said, “No. I am all about people getting their voices heard but protests in this country usually end up turning violent. I don’t want to put my life in danger but I really hope everyone will be safe today on the streets,” she said.

Afrika Kiviet said, before making his way to a meeting in Pretoria, “I wish I could be out there today with the rest of my countrymen. This is something important for our democracy and Constitution.

Read: Enough is enough – protesters say Zuma must go

“Unfortunately, I thought I would have some time today but the workload is too much and deadlines cannot be pushed back.”

Edited by Stacey Woensdregt