Pretoria – As the eagerly awaited “National Shutdown” protest draws near, the South African government has issued warnings against road blockages, vandalism, property damage, and the obstruction of individuals’ free movement.

With social media abuzz with news about the national shutdown, South Africans are bracing themselves for uncertainty.

To alleviate concerns, the government has pledged that law enforcement will be extensively deployed to ensure order.

“The government acknowledges the call for a national shutdown on Monday, (9 December 2024), which has been circulating on various social media platforms,” said a statement from the Presidency shared on X.

“These calls for a national shutdown aim to instill fear among hardworking, law-abiding South Africans.

“The government will not tolerate any acts of violence and intimidation that threaten our efforts to maintain the country’s stability.

“Any attempts to infringe upon citizens’ rights and free movement on Monday, (9 December 2024), or to obstruct access, vandalize, or damage property will result in severe legal consequences.”

The statement confirmed that government services and businesses will operate as usual.

The government has encouraged public servants to adhere to the Constitution, the Code of Conduct, and the Public Service Charter to ensure that public services are delivered effectively.

Numerous social media posts are promoting a national shutdown protest demanding the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In a recent media briefing, African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that those calling for a national shutdown to demand President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ouster are misinterpreting his announcement regarding visas for Nigerians visiting South Africa.

Many posts on X claimed that President Ramaphosa was granting access to Nigerians, whom they accused of being involved in “illicit drug activities” within the country.

However, the Presidency clarified the visa matter, highlighting a misunderstanding stemming from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s earlier remarks at the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission on 3 December 2024.

“As part of ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline visa application processes globally, South African missions in Nigeria have improved the efficiency and convenience of the visa application process,” the Presidency explained in a statement on Wednesday, (4 December 2024).

“This is part of the visa reforms by the South African government aimed at stimulating economic activities and promoting tourism while ensuring national security.”

Nigeria is South Africa’s main trading partner in West Africa.

The Presidency assured all stakeholders that the modernization of the visa application system would not undermine the integrity of the visa framework.

“Prospective travelers can submit their visa applications without needing to provide their passports at the application stage—only certified copies of the bio page of their passports are necessary, with the actual passports to be presented during the application process for verification,” outlined the Presidency.

“Upon approval of a visa, applicants must submit their passports to finalize the process and have the visa affixed to their passport.

“These updates have improved the overall customer experience while upholding the security and integrity of the visa application system.”

In conclusion, Mbalula – the ANC Secretary General – commented on the potential protest, stating: “This so-called national shutdown is simply a failed attempt to incite disorder.

“These opportunists lack a strategy for building South Africa; their intentions are purely destructive.

“To our citizens, we advise you to dismiss these distractions and concentrate on rebuilding our communities and creating opportunities for all.”

https://x.com/MbalulaFikile/status/1865015361713651915

https://x.com/Bhelekazi_13/status/1865245627988201536

https://x.com/Thabiso97829894/status/1865372187512770726

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