Aggrieved residents in various parts of the country have taken to the streets to voice their dissatisfaction over the lack of water and/or electricity supply.

Some roads were barricaded with trees and rocks while on others, items such as water tanks were set alight. Police were deployed to the impacted areas.

In Parys, schools and roads were closed this morning after Tumahole community members went on a rampage over their dry taps. Parys Gazette reports that people wanting to get to work were threatened and prevented from moving out of the area, while many school children in Schonkenville and Tumahole were also unable to get to school or were sent home for their safety. Staff at businesses in the industrial area were unable to get to work.

The publication says that some of the protesters have moved to the water treatment plant, where tyres have been burnt. Police are monitoring the situation.

Meanwhile, Boksburg Advertiser reports that a group of protesters blocked the road at the corner of Rondebult and the R554, between Dawn Park and Klippoortjie. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes

Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department spokesperson Deliwe Ndlovu told the publication that although it’s unclear what sparked the protest, unconfirmed reports suggest that residents are protesting against electricity blackouts.

The situation in KZN is also tense. The R616 Bergville road near Acton Homes has been closed since Thursday. Northern Natal News reports that protesters blocked the roadway with rocks and tree branches. They say their taps have been dry since November and they demand water.

Witbank News reports that the R544 between Duvha Park and Tasbet Park has been reopened after it was closed this morning after objects were set alight on the road by protesters.

On Friday, the #NationalShutdown trended on Twitter for hours as citizens called for nationwide protests on February 14.

The Witness reports that #NationalShutdown is in protest of Eskom’s failures, load-shedding and other economic issues affecting the country.