South Africa: Opposition party calls for a nationwide shutdown on March 20

Event

The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for a nationwide shutdown on March 20 over increasing load shedding. Additional reasons for the strike are increasing inflation, recent corruption scandals involving the ruling African National Congress (ANC), and rising levels of insecurity. They have received the support of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), the United Democratic Movement (UDM), and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu). The EFF has called on businesses, public service worker's unions, public transport unions, teachers, and students to observe a nationwide stay-away from work. Businesses that would not close have reportedly been threatened with violence. A march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria is planned on March 20 to demand the president's resignation. The start place and time are unclear.

High employee absenteeism could affect various sectors and services, including ground and air transport, commercial businesses, and universities. The shutdown could mobilize a high number of public servants who have already been striking since early March. Security services are reportedly on high alert nationwide for violence and possible riots. The City of Cape Town is reportedly seeking an interdict against the shutdown to prevent civil unrest. University closures are also likely.

Additional protest marches are likely, even without authorities' prior approval, especially in large metros. Increased security is likely ahead of and during the demonstration(s). Violence targeting businesses that do not abide by the shutdown is possible, especially in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Clashes between protesters and the police are possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or demonstrations occur without authorities' permission. The protest(s) and related security measures could lead to transport disruptions in the surrounding area(s).

Advice

Plan for increased time to reach destinations and for increased employee absenteeism. Confirm business appointments. Avoid all protests as a security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the areas at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions before beginning journeys. Reconfirm scheduled transport services before departure.