#SowetoShutdown labelled ‘first disappointing shutdown in SA history’

Soweto residents who were looking forward to a day off from work and school due to Tuesday’s planned #SowetoShutdown were disappointed to learn that the shutdown they were promised did not escalate to the point they thought it would.

Soweto Urban reports that a group of unnamed residents vowed to carry out a two-day shutdown in protest of power cuts, Eskom’s unavailability to engage with the community and the flat rate proposal.

Residents from other areas such as Alexandra, Tembisa, Eldorado Park and the Vaal are expected to participate as well.

“Officers will be deployed and we will work with other law enforcement agencies,” said Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Wayne Minnaar.

“We will deal with it as it unfolds,” he added.

Speaking to the publication, Soweto Shutdown protest leader Dr Trevor Ngwane said all they wanted was to have a meeting with Eskom to come up with a solution for their electricity crisis.

The protestors made their way to the streets this morning but they didn’t disrupt much. This led social media users to question if the shutdown was even happening.

https://twitter.com/LeratoMcCow/status/1232185055822348288?s=20

One Twitter user even labelled it the “first disappointing shutdown in SA history ever”.

https://twitter.com/MxmHer/status/1232183132608192512?s=20

Others even compared it to the annual imaginary Men’s Conference.

I am still in bed undecided whether to
wakeup or not. Is there a strike or it was just an imaginary strike just like man's conference? #sowetoshutdown pic.twitter.com/dm4UQijwFi

— Stiga° (@Its_Ntokozo) February 25, 2020

https://twitter.com/Siwa_Mbara/status/1232185191596273664?s=20

Which roads? #SowetoShutdown https://t.co/7SyeP8Zw1E

— Thabs ♥️✌️ (@Thabile_Makanda) February 25, 2020

https://twitter.com/djmfups/status/1232183393502318594?s=20

My kasi is so disappointing, roads are clear, EMPD on sight.. I just have to go to work 😒 #SowetoShutDown

— Masego (@_Lesego24) February 25, 2020

READ NEXT: Soweto Shutdown protesters to demonstrate against ongoing power cuts

(Compiled by Kaunda Selisho, additional reporting by Itumeleng Modiba)

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