Govt- Friday is a ‘normal working day’
Government believes South Africans should engage each other on differences through meaningful dialogue and through appropriate platforms.
FOLLOWING messages and calls for a nationwide shutdown on Friday, 7 April, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has reiterarted that it will be a normal working Friday for everyone.
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This call for action comes after President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle which saw finance minister, Pravin Gordhan among the five ministers and six deputies fired. Since then the rand has tanked and it was announced on Monday that South Africa has been downgraded to junk status by American financial agency Standard & Poor (S&P) .
Instead of staying Away Friday tie white strip of cloth to your car, bakkie, Truck or taxi aerial like a flag of solidarity
— Andrew The Video Guy 🇬🇷🇿🇦 (@CnnAndreas) April 2, 2017
This seemed to be the last straw as a post on social media called for a nationwide shutdown which stated: “On Friday, the 7 April South Africans need to take to the streets in masses… wherever you are, with signs of protest to make our collective voice heard. Block highways, stand with your communities, go to political houses, go to prayer meetings, arrange your own marches. Do whatever you can to make your voice heard.”
The social media messages are sent to disturb the economy and to create the impression of disorder and fear in communities.
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 3, 2017
Government countered this by confirming Friday is a normal working day, despite social media messages calling for a shutdown as “it can have unexpected consequences especially for the country’s fragile economy, business and communities.”
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The GCIS’ acting director general Donald Liphoko said while the public has a democratic right to embark on protest action, government does not support acts of civil disobedience and the actions of a select few to infringe on the constitutional rights of the majority.
These illegal protests do not possess the characteristics of strengthening democracy.
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 3, 2017
“When citizens take to the streets illegally, we often witness violence, destruction of property and lawlessness. These illegal protests do not possess the characteristics of strengthening democracy. Those found guilty of any form of violence will face the might of the law,” said Liphoko.
Government believes South Africans should engage each other on differences through meaningful dialogue and through appropriate platforms.
The call made in these messages can have unexpected consequences especially for our fragile economy, business and communities.
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) April 3, 2017
The Government said the social media messages bring the image of South Africa into disrepute, and are meant to disturb the economy and to create the impression of disorder and fear in communities.
“Civil society organisations, business and society at large are encouraged to work with government in strengthening the country’s democracy to create a better South Africa and contribute to a better and safer Africa.”
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