The call for a shutdown is being made by former municipal employees who have embarked on an unprotected strike for nearly three months.

Announcements were made that the shutdown will first take place on November 10, later November 15, as well as another message circulating yesterday afternoon that the shutdown would take place today.

The message called on all residents to support the shutdown by staying away from work and that only school children would be allowed to carry on with everyday life.

The message further stated that 700 municipal employees have been dismissed and will be marching to the Steve Tshwete Municipality. A warning to avoid the corner of Walter Sisulu- and Wanderers Street as well as the corner of Protea- and Walter Sisulu Street at the magasyn was also issued.

Early morning reports declare that Middelburg and Hendrina is calm and that business resumes as usual today.

It is clear that the striking workers don’t have the support from the community they hoped for. As a matter of fact, there’s a growing revolt against the municipal workers who make use of fake news to get support.