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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, the third largest party in parliament, has announced a “national shutdown” in South Africa due to a number of grievances, including rolling power cuts, corruption, and unemployment.
The party is demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa step down, alleging that he is not running the country properly.
The shutdown is scheduled for March 20th, and the party has requested non-essential workers to remain home or join the protest.
In response, President Ramaphosa warned that the EFF’s planned protests were not just a shutdown but an attempt to overthrow the government.
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He has deployed 3,474 members of the South African National Defense Force to support the police in the prevention and combating of crime and preservation of law and order.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact the shutdown will have on South Africa.
Would National Shutdown Lead To A change In Policy Of Government?
It is difficult to predict whether a national shutdown in South Africa would bring about a change in the government’s policies or leadership. While protests can draw attention to the concerns of the people and put pressure on the government to address them, they do not always result in concrete solutions.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa step down, but this is unlikely to happen without a formal process, such as a vote of no confidence in parliament. Moreover, the deployment of the military suggests that the government is taking a strong stance against the planned protests, which may make it challenging for the EFF to achieve its goals through a national shutdown.
It is worth noting that South Africa has a history of protests and civil unrest, particularly around issues such as poverty, inequality, and corruption. While such protests may not always lead to immediate change, they can contribute to long-term social and political transformation.