Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
12 March 2023 | 22:04 CAT

Image: African Insider

The Economic Freedom Fighters in South Africa have warned small businesses and factories to close on the 20th of March or risk being looted.

The party has circulated pamphlets and mobilised people for a national shutdown, with communities reportedly welcoming the call to action. The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) has also announced its participation in the shutdown and will mobilise its 700 000 members to partake.

The EFF has cited high unemployment, crime, the rising cost of living and loadshedding as reasons for the shutdown.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, the EFF’s Nazie Paulsen said there is a continuous decline in the condition in South Africa, especially for the poor and working-class people.

He said the only way forward is enforcing the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa together with an immediate effect end to loadshedding.

The initiative is noble from the perspective of what it’s meant to achieve. However, there are many speculations that the elderly or those needing medical attention might not get the necessary intervention.

The EFF has stated that emergency services must operate and be given free passage to care for people needing medical services.

“The shutdown is a response to the ills in this country,” he says.

Listen to the interview on Your World Today with ML Habib Bobat and the EFF’s Nazir Paulsen.