Planned shutdown did not happen today, rescheduled to tomorrow
Fears of a town ‘shut down’ seem not to have materialised.
This follows viral messages, videos, and a poster making rounds on social media calling for a ‘Total Shutdown’ today.
The poster cited several social issues prompting the march, namely high municipal rates, removal of foreign nationals, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s resignation, GBV concerns, and unemployment.
This morning, concerned residents in community WhatsApp groups asked about the march, and a voice message, allegedly from a convenor of the strike, was forwarded to the groups.
The audio said the protest action would be rescheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday).
The Middelburg Observer spoke to several residents in Mhluzi and Rockdale, who reported no demonstrations in the areas.
Those going to work and school didn’t face any road closures.
If you experienced any delays due to the strike, please reach out to the Middelburg Observer on 072 248 3855.
• Lerato Kgomo from the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality previously told the Observer that the municipality rejected the application for a public gathering due to non-compliance with the Regulation of Gatherings Act.
“The application was disapproved and not supported by the municipality. Should the march proceed on the anticipated date (today), such a march will be considered as unprotected.”
