#NationalShutdown: Mostly peaceful protests reported countrywide
Many areas report it’s business as usual as South Africa wakes up to a quiet Monday before celebrating Human Rights Day tomorrow.
Although there were instances of cars being stoned in Potchefstroom and the burning of tyres and temporary blocking of roads at various locations, Caxton Local Media newspapers around the country report that the situation is mostly calm and stable.
Happening Now: Joburg CBD #NationalShutdown #ItsNotANormalDay
— Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (@MbuyiseniNdlozi) March 20, 2023
Traffic moving normally in Pietermaritzburg, KZN
Groups of EFF members have gathered in most streets of the Pietermaritzburg CBD on Monday morning, but the situation is said to be peaceful.
AET spokesperson Rene Veenstra says there are between 200 to 300 people marching and there are no signs of violence.
Traffic in Mpophomeni and Howick, traffic is said to be moving with no disruptions while the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) says sporadic attempts have been made to obstruct the N3 toll route in KwaZulu-Natal, the latest in the vicinity of the Bergville interchange.
Peaceful start to mass shutdown in Richards Bay
The Zululand Observer reports other than minor incidents of tyres being set alight, all is quiet in the Richards Bay area in KwaZulu-Natal.
The area was patrolled over night by Community Policing Forum groups with a strong police presence this morning.
All quiet in Endumeni district in KZN
Although no intervention was needed yet, a heavy police and traffic presence persists in Dundee in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Dundee Courier for Northern Natal News reports that a few EFF supporters were visible last night and this morning.
Traffic moving, workers reporting to work, police out in full force in Middelburg
The Middelburg Observer reports that it is business as usual in Middelburg, Mpumalanga with the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality announcing that it will be open to the public today.
Police are stationed at pre-identified red zone areas to ensure swift action should the situation change.
First sighting of protesters reported in Mbombela
The Lowvelder reported that bus services in certain areas were suspended during the night after a bus was hijacked and the driver assaulted in the Nkomazi area in Mpumalanga. Services have however resumed with sunrise.
Several roads were closed from about 03:00 with sporadic burning of tyres. According to their latest update at 07:00 the N4 and all roads in Mbombela are open with the road to Mataffin remaining closed.
N12 near Potchefstroom currently closed
The Potchefstroom Herald reports that police have closed off the N12 after reports of cars being stoned at the Ikageng entrance earlier this morning.
Despite traffic being redirected, there is no protest action taking place at the moment, the newspaper reports.
#NationalShutdown in Polokwane
The Polokwane Review reports that a group of EFF students were yesterday stopped in their tracks by the local CPF yesterday in Landana in Limpopo while all is calm in Polokwane.
Businesses in Seshego are mostly closed out of precaution.
Protestors on the move in George
The George Herald reports that taxi services are running, and most areas of the Western Cape town is quiet with some traffic congestion experienced where EFF supporters are marching, escorted by public order police.
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