The EFF has organised a national shutdown to protest what it terms the failure of the ANC government to provide a decent life for South Africans as well as the ongoing energy crisis, demanding President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down as Head as State.

Writing in his weekly “From the Desk of the President” newsletter, Ramaphosa said that the Constitution ensured the right to protest but that did not give anyone the right to “harass, intimidate or threaten anyone else”.

As the national shutdown gatherings were under way across the country, Police Minister Bheki Cele said 87 people had been arrested so far.

Of the eighty-seven arrested, 41 were arrested in Gauteng, 29 in North West, and 15 in Free State. There are also arrests in other provinces such as Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. 

They also added that almost 25,000 tyres were seized at various protests. Parliament Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa and National Council of Provinces chairperson Amos Masondo have confirmed that they received a letter from the head of state that thousands of soldiers have been deployed across the country before the shutdown. 

Meanwhile in Soweto, earlier this morning the home of Soweto Parliament leader Nhlanhla Lux was petrol bombed.

No one was hurt.

Good news, there will be no loading today. 

Written by Charlee Hustle