South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly issued a warning to the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and other organizations involved in the planned national shutdown on Monday that the government will not tolerate any kind of anarchy, intimidation, or lawlessness, reported News 24.
The EFF is expected to lead a nationwide protest on Monday, which will also be joined by the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu). The party leading Monday’s protest said the shutdown focuses on two main points- one is the resignation of president Ramaphosa and the other is the nation’s worsening energy crisis.
Speaking at the Union Buildings during a state visit by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Tshwane, Ramaphosa said while the country’s Constitution gives the people the right to protest, the only way to get him to step down from the president’s post would be through a vote, not even through an attempt to overthrow the government.
“Coercing others to act in a way that you want is not a part of our democratic architecture and I wanted to say, very clearly: disorder and anarchy will not be allowed in South Africa,” the South African president said.
He added that the government will not allow those who want to spread anarchy to do what they like.
The president warned the protest group that the security forces would use force against protesters who infringed on the rights of others.
“Security forces in our country are going to defend our people. If you are going to intimidate them and unleash violence our security forces are going to defend the people of South Africa – that, I must clarify,” Ramaphosa said.
Julius Malema, the EFF leader, said that Monday’s protests are not illegal and even warned that anyone who attempts to stop them from protesting would “meet their maker”. He ensured that the protest would be conducted in an orderly manner.
