#PetrolPriceHike: Call for complete shutdown across South Africa circulates social media
JOBURG – The messages call on South Africa to protest high petrol prices and cost of living on 2 July.
Messages circulating on social media have warned that there will be a national shutdown on 2 July.
The messages call on South Africans to shut down all roads and highways to protest against the increase in the price of petrol and against the increase in value-added tax (VAT).
One message calls on all taxis, buses, trucks and small vehicle owners to park their vehicles on roads throughout the country. Another message warns that shops, hospitals and police stations will be blocked. It also requests that South Africans wear black on the day to symbolise their discontent.
UPDATE: 3pm on 29 June
The public is abuzz with the possible strike on 2 July. Business owners are concerned that their staff may not or cannot come to work. Metro police spokesperson Superintendent Edna Mamonyane stated that as of today (29 June) no application has been received in connection with the alleged strike.
In terms of the Labour Relations Act, sect 64:
(b) in the case of a proposed strike, at least 48 hours’ notice of the commencement of the strike, in writing, has been given to the employer.
Updates will follow as information comes to light.
https://twitter.com/__SIZWE__/status/1008691432775913474
We need a national country shutdown with assistance from the taxi industry,Petrol hikes are a no joke.Our voices need to be heard and I guess the only way that will be achieved is a national strike by all affected individuals.#TaxiStrike
— Nxumalo-MaZwide (@Malwande_udumo) June 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/lifesure1/status/1009905034669281282
https://twitter.com/lifesure1/status/1009907146996289537
It's so expensive living in South Africa …. #Loadshedding , 1% VAT increase, petrol price increases every month & data is more expensive than lobola. pic.twitter.com/Zy5wkTdsP3
— Katlego Maseng 🧠 (@KatlegoMaseng1) June 14, 2018
Petrol ⛽️ prices are too high. National shutdown, save the date @BP_plc @Shell @Caltexsa @SasolSA #ShashiNaidoo #NationalShutDown #istoomush pic.twitter.com/s0X2iZgdte
— God’s 👁 (@Griffin42424667) June 20, 2018
If a national shutdown were to take place, would you participate? Share your thoughts on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
