Pretoria – As the highly awaited “National Shutdown” protest nears, the South African government has issued stern warnings against road blockades, vandalism, destruction of property, and obstructing the free movement of citizens.
With social media abuzz with details surrounding the national shutdown, South Africans brace for potential uncertainty.
To alleviate concerns, the government has confirmed that law enforcement will be actively deployed to uphold order.
“The government recognizes the call for a national shutdown on Monday, (9 December 2024), which has been circulating across various social media platforms,” stated a communication from the Presidency shared on X.
“These appeals for a national shutdown aim to instill fear among diligent, lawful South Africans.
“The government will not tolerate any acts of violence and intimidation that threaten our efforts to preserve the country’s stability.
“Any attempts to infringe upon citizens’ rights and free movement on Monday, (9 December 2024), or to obstruct access, vandalize, or damage property will face strict legal repercussions.”
The statement indicated that government services and businesses will continue to function as normal.
The government has encouraged public servants to follow the Constitution, the Code of Conduct, and the Public Service Charter to ensure the delivery of public services.
Numerous social media posts are promoting a national shutdown protest aimed at demanding the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a recent media briefing, African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula asserted that those pushing for a national shutdown in pursuit of President Ramaphosa’s ousting are misinterpreting his comments regarding visa policies for Nigerians visiting South Africa.
Various posts on X claimed that President Ramaphosa was permitting access to Nigerians, whom they accused of engaging in “illicit drug activities” within the country.
However, the Presidency has clarified the visa issue, explaining a misunderstanding stemming from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier comments at the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission on 3 December 2024.
“As part of ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline visa application processes globally, South African missions in Nigeria have improved the effectiveness and convenience of the visa application process,” the Presidency detailed in a statement on Wednesday, (4 December 2024).
“This initiative is part of the visa reforms adopted by the South African government to boost economic activities and promote tourism while ensuring our national security.”
Nigeria serves as South Africa’s key trading partner in West Africa.
The Presidency reassured all involved that the modernization of the visa application system will not compromise the integrity of the visa framework.
“Prospective travelers may now submit their visa applications without submitting their passports at the application stage—only certified copies of the bio page of their passports are mandatory, with the actual passports to be presented during the application process for verification,” stated the Presidency.
“Once a visa is granted, applicants must present their passports to complete the process and have the visa affixed to their passport.
“These updates have improved the overall customer experience while safeguarding the security and integrity of the visa application system.”
In closing, Mbalula – the ANC Secretary General – commented on the potential protest, stating: “This alleged national shutdown is simply a misguided attempt to incite chaos.
“These opportunists lack a constructive strategy for building South Africa; their intentions are purely destructive.
“To our citizens, we advise you to reject these distractions and concentrate on rebuilding our communities and creating opportunities for all.”
https://x.com/MbalulaFikile/status/1865015361713651915
https://x.com/Bhelekazi_13/status/1865245627988201536
https://x.com/Thabiso97829894/status/1865372187512770726
https://twitter.com/mavundlatebza/status/1865046380378525701
