A planned 30-day shutdown disrupted the Sasolburg Civic Centre on Friday as a small group of marchers gathered to demonstrate.

The protest campaign is being led by the Fezile Dabi Civic Movement, which confirmed that its application for the gathering was acknowledged by the Metsimaholo Local Municipality Public Safety Department.

Organisers said the shutdown follows the expiry of deadlines previously given to major local industries, including Sasol and NATREF, regarding jobs and procurement opportunities for local people.

The movement’s president, Tibisi April Motaung, said that the organisation intends to proceed with the shutdown while staying within the law.

“Our collective struggle against systemic economic exclusion and municipal complacency has reached a definitive turning point. This Section 4 approval signifies that our demand for local job thresholds and administrative integrity is both legally resilient and right,” said Motaung.

The group is demanding that major industries immediately introduce a 70% threshold for hiring local workers and buying from local businesses, aiming to support unemployed residents and small enterprises.

Motaung said they are enforcing a regulated total shutdown to protect the economic future of people in Zamdela, Deneysville, and the wider Fezile Dabi region.

“We call on all residents to remain disciplined, peaceful, and resolute as we execute this historic mandate,” he said.

The organisers added that marshals will be stationed at various meeting points to ensure all demonstrations follow public safety rules. The movement has also advised local businesses, industrial transport operators, and municipal bodies to prepare for the shutdown.