Several towns and cities were ‘painted red’ today as EFF members took to the streets in support of the party’s national shutdown.

Today’s protest action – to demonstrate against rolling blackouts and to demand the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa – was less disruptive and severe than initially anticipated, but there were still some forms of havoc in various cities and towns in the country.

By 07:00, officers through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) arrested 87 people and confiscated 24 300 tyres that were ‘strategically placed for acts of criminality’.

It is at this stage unclear what the number of arrests as a result of violence associated with the nationwide strike is.

South African trade union Solidariteit’s CEO Dirk Hermann in a post on Facebook says: “Our feedback from workplaces across South Africa is that there is almost no disruption. Solidarity members continue to work unhindered. From a work point of view, the EFF’s national shutdown is a national failure.”

He is not the only one who shares this sentiments as former Transport minister and current ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula tweeted [sic]: “Eff plans of shutdown in our country through chaos has failed they are left isolated in many parts of the country their attempt to insight insurrection by using electricity crisis has failed. Thank you bantu bomzantsi.”

Eff plans of shutdown in our country through chaos has failed they are left isloted in many parts of the country their attempt to insight insurrection by using electricity crisis has failed. Thank you bantu bomzantsi.

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) March 20, 2023

If this shutdown happened the way Eff envisioned Bheki Cele will be scolded for sleeping on the job, Police working civil society suppressed this madness some are making jokes about it.Eff leader was calling for violence openly and threatening people.

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) March 20, 2023

The ruling party also issued a statement to thank citizens who did not partake in the shutdown.  In it the party states that it is, however, committed to ‘doing what the people of South Africa expect, demand, and deserve’.

Statement on the So- called shutdown pic.twitter.com/kicYpmZ42L

— African National Congress (@MYANC) March 20, 2023

The party in red, however, say they are pleased with the ongoing national shutdown and the scenes unfolding in many parts of the country.

In an earlier tweet they said: “As things stand, it is not a normal day in South Africa. Taxi ranks, malls and intersections which would ordinarily be busy in the cities and townships, are empty.”

♦️Must Watch♦️

Activists in Tshwane came out in their numbers and registered their dissatisfaction against the incompetent government of Cyril Ramaphosa, in the face of intimidation and violence by police and military personnel.#NationalShutdown #RamaphosaMustGo pic.twitter.com/RJ8BOZlMEG

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) March 20, 2023

#NationalShutdown https://t.co/JIH3EXjs2Z

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) March 20, 2023

Caxton Local Media rounds up stories from across the country that might have caught the eye.

EFF makes their way to Eskom Megawatt Park

An EFF contingent along with the other groups of protesters have set their eyes on Eskom Megawatt Park in Sunninghill. The power utility’s headquarters is in their sights after they stormed Sandton City.

Read the full story here.

Protesters arrive at OR Tambo International Airport

There is a strong SAPS, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department and military presence outside the international airport and protesters have been prevented from gaining access to the property.

They handed a memorandum to officials at the airport and were allowed the continuation of a peaceful protest afterwards.

Read the full story here.

20 protesters arrested near Newcastle

A total of 20 protesters were arrested for public violence and damage to public infrastructure in the KwaNtshangase area, near Osizweni township (Newcastle). Law enforcers reported that a group of about 200 protesters gathered along the Stieldrift Road (P272) and blocked the road with burning tyres and large rocks.

Read the full story here.

Police minister visits Nhlanhla ‘Lux’ Dlamini’s house after alleged bombing

Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the house of Soweto Parliament leader Nhlanhla ‘Lux’ Dlamini after an alleged bombing which happened in the early house of the planned national shutdown.

My house just got hit with two bombs, all my neighbour's windows are shattered imagine my house.

We beat the EFF at their own game on the streets by defending Soweto brilliantly with the all law enforcement on our side.

So they bomb & kill my entire family because they lost💔

— nhlanhlalux (@nhlanhla_lux_) March 20, 2023

Read the full story here.

Watch: More than 1 500 EFF protesters march into Durban CBD

Despite KZN police commissioner Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi earlier stating that there is no protest action in Durban, a contingent of red beret supporters made their way through the CBD’s streets later the afternoon.

Watch the video and read the story here.

EFF to return to Polokwane CBD

Demonstrations were short-lived in Polokwane’s CBD with protesters moving into the immediate townships of Seshego and Mankweng to join others who are also affiliates of the EFF.

EFF deputy Limpopo secretary Rassy Maepa said negotiations were made with the police for protesters to occupy the CBD this afternoon and into the evening as the party’s call for Ramaphosa to resign continues.

Read the full story here.

National shutdown in Mbombela and surrounds as it happens

Protesters in Mbombela were seen leaving the Eskom building and headed towards Transnet at the Nelspruit Station.

Read the story here.