South Africa to deploy military ahead of 'nationwide shutdown' by unions & protest organisations demanding President's resignation

Veronica Mokhoali
Eyewitness News
Fri, 17 Mar 2023 12:00 UTC

FILE PHOTO: President Cyril Ramaphosa. Among the reasons for Monday’s expected nationwide protest is a call for Ramaphosa’s resignation, but the president said that the only way that would happen was through a vote, not a government overthrow.

Among the reasons for Monday's expected nationwide protest is a call for Ramaphosa's resignation, but the president said that the only way that would happen was through a vote, not a government overthrow.

President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a stern warning to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and other organisations involved in the planned national shutdown that disorder and anarchy would not be tolerated.

The EFF is expected to lead a nationwide protest on Monday, with the South African federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) also joining.

There were multiple reasons given for the shutdown, but the party said it was focusing on two main points: the resignation of president Ramaphosa and the nation's energy crisis.

Speaking at the Union Buildings in Tshwane, Ramaphosa said while the right to protest was enshrined in the Constitution, the only way of getting him out of office would be through a vote, not an attempt to overthrow the government.

"Coercing others to act in a way that you want is not a part of our democratic architecture and I wanted to say, very clearly: disorder and anarchy will not be allowed in South Africa.

"We will not allow those who want to spread anarchy to do what they like, here."

The president warned the EFF that security forces would not hesitate to use force against those who infringed on the rights of others.

"Security forces in our country are going to defend our people. If you are going to intimidate them and unleash violence our security forces are going to defend the people of South Africa - that, I must clear."

Comment: On Monday 20th March, The Zimbabwe Mail reports:

Parliament Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces chairperson Amos Masondo have confirmed that they received a letter from the head of state that thousands of soldiers have been deployed across the country before the shutdown.

The government has taken a step of sending soldiers to various parts of the country to avoid any damage to infrastructure and other key installations.

Parliament said President Cyril Ramaphosa told the two presiding officers that more than 3 400 soldiers had been deployed from this weekend until April 17.

When riots happened in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng the government sent in soldiers.

The government is expected to spend over R166 million for the deployment of the army for the period set out by the president.

Ramaphosa's deployment of the army was to ensure that citizens were protected against any violence after threats were made, Vincent Magwenya, the president's spokesperson, said.

"The correspondence to the presiding officers, dated March 17, indicated that 3 474 members of the SANDF have been deployed, effective from March 17 to April 17. The employment is in line with section 201(2) of the Constitution and section 19 of the Defence Act. An amount of R166 562 058 is expected to be incurred for this deployment," said Parliament.