Calls for a national shutdown on Thursday remain uncertain, after various fringe groups initially mobilised around gender-based violence (GBV) but later added broader political demands, including the removal of President Cyril Ramaphosa and an end to the Government of National Unity (GNU).
On Monday, a small youth-led demonstration took place in the Johannesburg CBD, despite rainy weather. The group marched to Luthuli House, the ANC headquarters, where they sang struggle songs—some calling for the removal of both the ANC and President Ramaphosa.
The protest appeared leaderless and unpermitted, with participants acknowledging that they failed to secure a march permit. Protester Khensani Thwala claimed authorities refused permits as a form of “oppression,” saying the group chose to demonstrate regardless.
Thwala described the movement as apolitical, mobilised by Amani Dube from KwaZulu-Natal, and driven by frustration over issues such as corruption, lack of arrests from commission inquiries, and economic challenges—citing a desire for the rand to strengthen to R7 to the dollar. She insisted the protest was not aimed at undermining any party but targeted Luthuli House because the ANC is in government.
Another participant, Shirley Nhlapho of the Sisterhood Foundation, framed the protest as symbolic rejection of the current government and highlighted anger over corruption and GBV. She said protests would continue, including on the 21st, with groups planning to march in purple attire and demanding an end to the GNU.
ANC security monitored the demonstration, which eventually dispersed peacefully. Several fringe groups have signalled intentions to join or organise shutdown actions in the coming days.