UPDATE: 24 August – 09:56

The South African Crime and Community Watch (SACCW) group confirmed Spar is open to the public again.

UPDATE: 24 August – 08:38

Some shops in the CBD, including Spar, has opted to close their doors as a safety measure after a few protesters had pitched and demanded for businesses to close down.

Jaco Kirk, of Spartan Security Services confirmed they had taken precautionary measures:

All calm in Ermelo amid planned national strike

ERMELO – All is calm in town thus far as two of the nation’s trade union federations and unions linked to them embark on a nationwide shutdown today.

Thousands of workers are anticipated to join in on the planned strike against the increased cost of living among other listed concerns.

Who is calling for the strike?

The non-essential worker strike is being called by the trade union federations Cosatu and Saftu.

No work, no pay

According to the department of public service and administration, employees in the public sector who go on strike will be subject to the “no work, no pay” concept whether they are absent for the entirety of a workday or just a portion of it.

What’s it all about?

The primary complaint is the rising cost of living, which has also seen price increases for consumer goods like food, fuel, and consumer transportation.

Servicing loans for vehicles and residences has also become increasingly costly due to the South African Reserve Bank’s increase in interest rates.

What is the current situation look like in different provinces?

The South African Community Crime Watch WhatsApp group in Ermelo shared this situation report moments ago:

• Gauteng

Situation still calm

• KZN

Service Delivery Protest

*R74 Main Street, Muden, KZN

-Roads barricaded

No union members have been reported gathering

• Eastern Cape

Service Delivery Protest – Electricity

*Cape Rd, Uitenhage Farms, Gqeberha, EC

Roads barricaded

*R61, Bizana ,

Roads barricaded

No union members have been reported gathering

• Western Cape

Service Delivery Protest

*R102, Mayixhale St, Boplaas, Mossel Bay,

Roads barricaded

• North West

Situation still calm

• Limpopo

Situation still calm

• Freestate

Situation still calm

Mpumalanga

Shops in the Ermelo CBD have closed following the arrival of protesters demaning for them to close their doors.

*Thuthuka Main Road, Thuthuka, Standerton

Protesters gathered in the middle of the road

MP R536 Hazyview – Paul Kruger Gate (Tourism report from Lowveld Tourism)

Protesters have blocked the road near Belfast, access to SGR/Hazyview Kruger via Paul Kruger and Phabeni Gates – 06h30am

• Northern Cape

Situation still calm

No irregularities reported on public transport

The situation could change at any time, so residents are urged to remain vigilant.