The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says the national shutdown planned for Monday will be peaceful and that only instigators from outside the party will make it violent to discredit the red berets. Malema said this during a media briefing on the much-anticipated protest.

 CLARITY

 Malema said the party decided to hold a press conference to give clarity on issues regarding the shutdown. "So many things have been said about the national shutdown. We want to reassure South Africans that this is a national shutdown and calls for the resignation of the president and the end of corruption and load shedding. We also want to bring to light issues that affect young people, unemployment, access to free higher education, water and electricity crisis. Potholes that exist, high levels of crime and Gender-Based-Violence." Malema said Ramaphosa needs to be held accountable because he has violated his oath of office. " We cannot fold arms when the country is on the brink of collapse. Future generations will ask us what we have done when the country was faced with so many challenges. We need to raise our voices that are protected by the constitution.

NO VIOLENCE

 Malema said talks of violent threats and looting were untrue. "We have been made aware that the DA has hired disruptors that will be planted among the protesters of the EFF so that they can undermine our integrity. Also, the DA has taken a decision to defend Ramaphosa and is masquerading as protecting businesses and the economy of South Africa. The DA in its papers is not against the protest, but threats of violence which haven't occurred. How do you stop a non-existing thing,"  Malema said they've met with various stakeholders that will be affected by the strike as a form of courtesy and to avoid tensions. "I've personally met with the chairperson of the PSL to alert them that the country will be at a standstill on the 20th. We are yet to meet with SANTACO to formally inform them about our plans because it's going to disrupt their business as they use the roads every single day. We went to malls and businesses just to show courtesy because we don't want looting. It's silly people who take advantage and want to engage in illegal activities, "he said.