At its meeting on 15 March, the cabinet ‘expressed concern’ at the national shutdown planned by the Economic Freedom Fighters for next Monday. This was communicated in a statement.
Describing the call as ‘irresponsible and reckless’, it said that the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster would ensure that ‘lawlessness is not tolerated.’
The statement proceeded to note that the protest action was intended to address a number of issues, including load-shedding. It said that action was already being taken in this regard: ‘The implementation of the Five-Point Energy Action Plan is underway in earnest and the Minister of Electricity will in the coming weeks announce Eskom’s performance targets towards ending load-shedding.’
On the demand that President Ramaphosa should resign, the statement said: ‘The only demand which is the basis of this protest action is the plan to remove President Ramaphosa from office through unconstitutional means.’
It went on to note: ‘We want to inform all that REGIME CHANGE THROUGH UNCONSTITUTIONAL MEANS WILL NOT HAPPEN IN SOUTH AFRICA. Anyone with ambitions to govern this country must wait to contest the 2024 general elections. Attempts to cause disruption and disturbances in the country will be met with the full might of the law. We must also clarify that no amount of political adventurism should not [sic] sway any South Africans.’
[Photo: Freddy Mavunda/Sowetan]