The Johannesburg High Court yesterday dismissed the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) urgent court application to have the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) planned national shutdown declared as unlawful in an effort to stop Monday’s march from taking place.
“The applicant’s application to have the national shutdown, which is planned and called by the first respondent and which is scheduled to commence on Monday, March 20, declared unlawful, be and is hereby dismissed”, the court judgement read.
This application was filed on March 14, with the DA trying to stop the march saying it is concerned about how the shutdown will impact the safety and livelihoods of residents.
The judgement was reserved on Friday afternoon after the matter was argued before Judge Leicester Adams in the Johannesburg High court.
However, although the court didn’t’ stop the march, it laid down stringent conditions under which the EFF’s protest action can take place.
And these are that EFF members are not allowed to shut down schools, retail stores, businesses, trade and public roads.
They are also prohibited from calling for or promoting , instigating or organising the blocking of roads or railway lines, and/or the shutting down of schools, retail stores, businesses and trades.
Now are they allowed to participate in, or incite others to organise or participate in any unlawful conduct and/or unlawful protest action. They are also prohibited from inciting violence.
EFF has also been ordered to share the order of the court through various channels, including their social media platforms no later than Saturday 5pm.
The party, which is now joined by some trade unions, will march against load shedding, unemployment, food inflation and for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down.
This planned national shutdown has sent different government departments and stakeholders, including the SAPS and SANDF, into a panic mode that has never been experienced before.
The police, the army and private security companies have been put on high alert and there are fears that some people could incite violence which could lead to the police taking action against the marchers.
The DA has welcomed the court’s decision, saying it is a victory for law and order in South Africa and a win for all peace-loving citizens who want to work, learn and provide for their families without fear of violence, looting and intimidation by a group of vigilantes posing as a political party.
The government has assured members of the public and businesses that they will be protected from the protesters. Also, taxi associations have come out and said they won’t support the shut down and would be ferrying commuters as usual.
Putco buses have reported that they will be operational. However, they have also said if there are signs of trouble, they will stop their buses from ferrying commuters at short notice.
Some places like the courts in Joburg, have resorted to working online and other businesses have opted to shut down for the day while others have indicated they will adopt the wait-and-see approach.
