Ramaphosa sends final warning ahead of national shutdown tomorrow
President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned protesters planning to take part in the national shutdown planned for Tuesday, 30 June, that violence, threats and intimidation will not be tolerated.
Writing in his weekly letter to the public, the president said that the freedom to protest is one of the “defining freedoms” of democracy.
However, he said that freedom comes with responsibilities.
“The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” he said.
“Those who intend to protest should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights, dignity and safety of others.”
Ramaphosa warned that, where there is criminal conduct, “those responsible will be held accountable and the law will take its course.”
He said that South Africa must reject the idea that acts of violence or intimidation are justified on the basis of a grievance or for political reasons.
He added that the country’s law-enforcement authorities are standing by on high alert to uphold the rule of law.
“Let us work together to keep communities, businesses and individuals safe, all the while protecting people’s right to protest,” he said.
The president has been meeting with and engaging with community, political and business leaders over the past few weeks to ease tensions and calm anxieties about the protests.
The protest groups have given assurances that the marches planned for June 30 will be peaceful and that the aim is to show a united front against illegal immigration.
However, the June 30 date has been put forward by the groups as a ‘deadline’ for all illegal foreign nationals to leave the country. It is not clear what is intended post the ‘deadline’.
In addition to the deadline, the day has been cemented as a day of nationwide protests, characterised by the groups as a national shutdown.
Prepare for a national shutdown
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said R600 million has been redirected within the South African Police Service budget to ensure operational readiness for the protests.
Police Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo has warned that authorities will not tolerate vigilantism, xenophobic violence, intimidation, or any form of lawlessness aimed at dictating who may or may not live within communities.
“Anyone who threatens violence, incites attacks or spreads messages calling for harm will be investigated and prosecuted,” she said.
The central group behind the national shutdown is March and March, which has been protesting and staging marches against immigration for almost two years.
The group has given notice of protests scheduled across the country on June 30, with businesses warning of potential disruptions, and metro police urging commuters to plan ahead.
Major cities, like the City of Johannesburg, are preparing for disruptions.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has warned to look out for significant traffic disruptions on the day.
Three legally approved marches are scheduled to take place simultaneously across the Johannesburg inner city, Hillbrow and Midrand (Glen Austin), with authorities expecting widespread delays and road closures.
JMPD warned that rolling road closures and temporary barricades will be implemented along all approved routes as the marches progress.
“Motorists are strongly advised to avoid affected streets and use alternative routes where possible,” the department said.
“Please exercise extreme patience, follow the directions of JMPD and law enforcement officers on the ground, or plan your travel outside the affected areas during these times.”
The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) has issued a similar traffic advisory, with the Durban metro police also confirming marches beginning at 10h00.
Disruptions and delays along protest routes are anticipated between 07h00 and 16h00.
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