There is growing concern in Middelburg after viral messages and posters circulating on social media called for a ‘Total Shutdown’ of the town tomorrow (November 24).

The provincial police confirmed that a meeting involving the station commander and other stakeholders will take place today to address the claims.

Viral poster lists multiple demands

One of the widely shared posters said that the town will be shut down, warning that ‘All shops must be closed’ and ‘No one is going to work‘.

The poster lists several reasons for the planned march, including:
* High municipal rates
* Removal of foreign nationals
* President Cyril Ramaphosa’s resignation
* GBV concerns
* Unemployment
* Removal and arrest of ‘corrupt leaders’
* Review of the national constitution
* Amendments to the Steve Tshwete Municipality By-laws
* RDP housing issues.
The poster states the gathering time as 07:00.

Second message calls for mass mobilisation

A second message, addressed to the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, claims that activists, political movements, community structures, and residents have united to organise the shutdown.

It asserts that:
A ‘Total Shutdown’ will take place on November 24.
Taxis will transport elderly residents;
SAPS and Home Affairs will ‘lead’ the action;
A memorandum will be handed to the municipality;
All shops and town entrances will be closed;
Only schools and clinics will operate.

The message further warns that businesses opening on the day will do so ‘at own risk’.

Threats of further action if demands are not met

The viral message states that if authorities do not respond within seven days, organisers will escalate their actions by:
Removing ‘illegal foreigners’ from workplaces, homes, and tuckshops;
Continuing the march;
Demanding the dismissal and arrest of individuals alleged to be linked to corruption, including municipal officials, health workers, educators, companies, and contractors.
It ends with slogans such as ‘Stop GBV’, ‘No to corruption’, and ‘Residents first for RDP housing’, and others.

Municipality yet to comment

The Middelburg Observer reached out to municipal spokesperson Lerato Kgomo, who responded, “I will check with the legal department on who’s available.”

Police are monitoring the situation

Authorities have not yet confirmed the legitimacy of the group behind the shutdown messages. Residents are urged to rely on official communication while the police continue assessing the situation.

More updates will follow once the outcome of today’s police meeting is released.