TAXI operators and members of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc) will be operating as normal on Monday during the EFF’s planned national shutdwon.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) took a decision on Thursday not to participate in the shutdown.
Members of the taxi association in the Northern Cape stated that it was agreed that it would be “business as usual” on Monday.
While concerns were raised regarding the safety of mines in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the provincial chairperson of Nafcoc, Abraham Malo, stated that mines had sufficient security in the area to protect their property.
“Nafcoc condemns the shutdown and the crippling effect it will have on the ailing economy,” said Malo.
He stated that Nafcoc represented members in the mining, tourism, agriculture, retail, construction, security and transportation industries, as well as informal traders and youth- and women-run businesses.
“We are not convinced that the shutdown will have the intended impact. Let us not make things harder than they already are and rather build the economy. Government is trying to find a solution to load shedding.”
Malo indicated that the security cluster had assured them that they were on standby in the case of any eventuality.
“The South African National Defence Force will be available if needed. We cannot permit anarchy to reign. Private security will work with the police to secure property and persons.”
Boyce Makodi from the Kimberley Action Group cautioned residents not to take part in the shutdown.
“Kimberley residents should continue with their daily routines on March 20, but are advised to take the necessary precautions. By joining hands with crime-fighting organisations, the SAPS and businesses, city residents can suffocate this planned destruction.
“As much as we agree with the sentiments of the EFF regarding removing a president who has clearly failed the Republic of South Africa and dealing decisively with load shedding, which has brutally devastated our national and local economies, we do not support this initiative.”
He pointed out that criminals could take the opportunity to create anarchy.
“With our high unemployment, crime, and drug use rates, a small group of individuals may manipulate a hungry society to loot private property and destroy and wipe out the little infrastructure we have left.”
Makodi added that destructive protests would not assist the upcoming battle against a looming 18.65 percent electricity tariff increase.
“Residents with outstanding service delivery issues are advised not to take to the streets.”