DailySun
Pretoria – As the highly anticipated “National Shutdown” demonstration draws near, the South African government has issued stern warnings against roadblocks, vandalism, destruction of property, and impeding individuals’ freedom of movement.
With social media abuzz with news about the national shutdown, many South Africans are bracing for potential disruptions.
To alleviate the public’s concerns, the government has assured citizens that law enforcement will be deployed in full force to ensure public safety.
“The government acknowledges the call for a national shutdown on Monday, (9 December 2024), which has been circulating across various social media channels,” stated a communication from the Presidency posted on X.
“These calls for a national shutdown are designed to instill fear among hardworking, law-abiding South Africans.
“The government will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation that threaten our efforts to maintain stability in the country.
“Any attempts to infringe upon citizens’ rights and free movement on Monday, (9 December 2024), or to obstruct access, vandalize, or damage property will result in serious legal repercussions.”
The statement also confirmed that government services and businesses will continue their operations as usual.
The government has called on public servants to adhere to the Constitution, the Code of Conduct, and the Public Service Charter to ensure continued provision of public services.
Numerous social media posts are advocating for a national shutdown protest aimed at demanding President Cyril Ramaphosa’s resignation.
During a media briefing last week, African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula indicated that those calling for a national shutdown to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa have misinterpreted his remarks regarding visas for Nigerians traveling to South Africa.
Many posts on X claimed that President Ramaphosa was granting access to Nigerians, whom they accused of engaging in “illicit drug activities” within the country.
However, the Presidency clarified the visa situation, emphasizing a misunderstanding stemming from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s initial comments at the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission on 3 December 2024.
“As part of ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline global visa application processes, South African missions in Nigeria have improved the effectiveness and convenience of the visa application procedure,” elaborated the Presidency in a statement issued on Wednesday, (4 December 2024).
“This initiative is part of the visa reforms introduced by the South African government to foster economic activities and promote tourism while ensuring national security.”
Nigeria remains South Africa’s top trading partner in West Africa.
The Presidency has assured all stakeholders that the modernization of the visa application system will uphold the integrity of the visa framework.
“Prospective travelers may submit their visa applications without needing to present their passports at the application stage—only certified copies of the bio page of their passports are required, with the actual passports to be provided during the application for verification,” stated the Presidency.
“Once a visa is granted, applicants must submit their passports to complete the process and have the visa affixed to their passport.
“These updates have improved the overall customer experience while maintaining the security and integrity of the visa application system.”
In closing, Mbalula – the ANC Secretary General – commented on the potential protest, saying: “This so-called national shutdown is merely a failed attempt to create chaos.
“These opportunists lack a constructive strategy for building South Africa; their intentions are solely destructive.
“To our citizens, we urge you to reject these distractions and stay focused 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
