The Democratic Alliance have applied for an urgent court interdict against the national shutdown planned by the EFF on 20th March. DA wants EFF leadership to be held personally liable for any damage done to person, property, lives and livelihoods perpetrated during the national shutdown next week Monday. The EFF has called for national shutdown to protest against loadshedding.
COURT INTERDICT
DA leader John Steenhuisen said on Tuesday that they are taking steps to pre-empt the EFF's violence and prevent it from taking place at all. Steenhuisen added that the DA have approached the court to ensure that EFF complies with the conditions of permits issued by relevant municipalities giving permission for peaceful protest. "We are seeking a court interdict to ensure that the EFF leadership retracts all intimidation letters issued, such as the letter to OR Tambo Airport warning the authority not to allow flights or business activity on the day," he said. Steenhuisen added that the party has been overwhelmed by calls from concerned citizens who have expressed their concerns and their fears because of the national shutdown. "The DA takes the EFF's threats seriously. We will not sit back and allow the EFF to threaten businesses, livelihoods and lives," Steenhuisen said.
SOCIAL MEDIA THREATS
Steenhuisen added that there was mounting evidence on social media and in public statements by EFF leaders and party members that they are fully prepared to break the law in pursuit of their own political agenda. "We are deeply concerned by the intimidatory tactics being employed by members of the EFF, who are threatening "consequences" for any business that dares to open and trade on the day, and for any adult or child who dares to go to work or school on that day," he added.
POOR PUBLICITY STUNT
In response, the the EFF said that the attempt by DA to single out the party and frame the national shutdown as the sole preserve of the EFF was deliberate. "Their legal action is therefore doomed failure because it lacks basis, and its a poor publicity stunt to appeal to an anti-democratic right-wing constituency. "The DA cannot and it will not stop the overwhelming frustration and pain of our people in defence of Cyril Ramaphosa and this frustrations will be felt on the 20 of March," the statement read.
SAPS WARNING
The South African Police Service has also warned the EFF to refrain from any illegal activities on during the national shutdown. This after a video of EFF members circulated on social media and they are heard warning shop owners to close shop for the day or else risk looting. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) has begun preparing for the march. "While plans will be in place to ensure law and order, we are urging all people in this country to heed the country's laws and not engage in acts that will result in them having criminal records." Mathe said
MOBILISING
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the video was part of a popular mechanism to mobilise communities for the march. "The party had travelled door to door and handed out pamphlets throughout the country to effectively gather people for the national shutdown. There will be no work, all ports of entry leading to borders will be closed, no business operations will be open on the day and trucks that transport South Africa's minerals were especially warned to park. "We are not fighting with anyone. We are not saying to anybody, you have wronged us. All we are asking for is for one man to step aside, for Eskom to give us electricity, and for the government to give us jobs. It can't be correct that 60% of young people are unemployed and you call yourself an organisation of the people and you do nothing about it," adds Thambo.
