The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is alarmed by the growing communication from EFF offices around the country about their upcoming “National Shutdown” on March 20th, 2023. Images of the organization’s officials with automatic weapons and letters from the EFF demanding that businesses close or face the repercussions, are included.
An EFF shutdown is the last thing our province needs at a time when economic growth is at an all-time low and unemployment is at an all-time high. It is also the last thing we need after the July 2021 unrest, a horror from which our province has not recovered.
Given the ANC-run KZN government’s shocking track record in dealing with unrest and anarchy, the DA’s primary concern is the protection of our citizens. They need assurance from you that KZN’s provincial structures have the situation under control. They need to hear from you that the lives and property of law-abiding citizens are paramount and that this planned EFF shutdown will in no way infringe on their rights.
KZN’s people need to know exactly what plans have been taken to ensure the “shutdown” does not spiral out of control. They cannot again find themselves in a situation where SAPS are not sufficiently equipped to deal with a potentially volatile situation. Given that this is a planned shutdown, SAPS should be in a position, with effective intelligence, to identify any areas of concern.
Premier this is an opportunity for you to take the people of our province into your confidence and assure them that their safety and the safety of their property are paramount and that indeed you have a plan of action.
It is also an opportunity for you to finally call a meeting with all KZN political leaders and brief us, in this instance, on what is being done to prevent potential chaos. We must work together in the interests of KZN’s people. I should not have to remind you that the ANC’s decision to become bedfellows with the EFF means that, in the event that the shutdown spirals into anarchy, your political party will be complicit.
Law and order must be maintained in line with the constitutional rights of our people. To allow the EFF to create chaos and disorder is an attack on our democracy.
Francois Rodgers, MPL
Leader of the Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu-Natal