City of uMhlathuze warns against intimidation ahead of national shutdown
City manager Nkosenye Zulu has warned against reported threats and demands for businesses to close
The City of uMhlathuze says law enforcement will be on high alert to prevent any acts of violence during a national shutdown planned by the EFF.
The shutdown, set for 20 March is to, among others, express frustration with the current electricity crisis, job losses in some critical sectors and a call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign.
However, city manager Nkosenye Zulu has warned against reported threats and demands for businesses to close their doors on the set date.
“We have received reports about persons who intimidate businesses and threaten them that they should close down on the 20th of this month,” said Zulu.
“The City of uMhlathuze upholds the rights of political parties to lobby for any political cause and we encourage that this be done within legal parameters and without the infringement of the rights of others.
“As the city, we have a responsibility to be on the side of regularity and the law. As such, we advise our businesses that struggle in this economy, that the 20th is not a holiday and, as such, all businesses may operate as normal.”
He said businesses that choose to remain operational during the proposed shutdown will be protected.
“The security cluster has been alerted about these elements of possible threats and will be out in full force to protect businesses that will opt to dutifully and responsibly operate on the 20th.
“Businesses may still use 10111 to alert the police about any act of intimidation, or report on the city’s whistle blower line 0800 000 483,” said Zulu.
The EFF said the planned protest is an attempt to ‘rescue our country from complete collapse’.
“The current energy crisis and the continued mis-leadership of Cyril Ramaphosa has had a devastating effect on both labour and businesses.
“Thousands of black-owned business, which employ our people, are unable to manage the costs of maintaining their businesses and remunerating their employees, all while catering for the added costs of purchasing diesel for generators,” the party said in a statement earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Meerensee CPF and SAPS are on high alert after the EFF called for ‘Red Friday’, and is set to meet at Meerensee Mall at 10am.
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