The EFF is calling on residents to join the National Shutdown set to take place on Monday, March 20. Picture: Se-Anne Rall
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) says that a disruption of the economy will further aggravate an already dire situation.
The lobby group said this on Wednesday in response to the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) planned ‘National Shutdown’ that will be taking place next week.
BUSA said that it condemns the warnings of violence and looting by the EFF against those businesses and South Africans who do not support its call for a national shutdown on 20 March 2023.
“The right to protest is protected in our Constitution, as long as it does not infringe on the constitutional rights of other South Africans. Looting, violence, incitement, and intimidation are criminal acts that are not protected by the Constitution and should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” BUSA said in a statement.
“The EFF warning of the looting of businesses, shops, factories, and other service providers - if they do not stop operations in support of the national shutdown - is a complete disregard for the constitutional rights of others. Law enforcement agencies must protect the rights of all South Africans. On 20 March, the EFF must act responsibly, respect the constitutional rights of others, and conduct its protest within the law,” BUSA further stated.
The organisation called on law enforcement agencies to ensure all protest action is peaceful and to act decisively against any violence, intimidation, and unlawful disruption.
BUSA said it shared South Africans’ frustration with load shedding, stagnant economic growth, unemployment, and the myriad social and economic problems brought about by government failure in several areas.
“But the disruption of the economy by a minority will further aggravate an already dire situation and threaten workplaces and household incomes, and increase hardship for all. South Africa needs united action to overcome its economic and social challenges, not threats of violence and intimidation in support of narrow political gains,” BUSA further said.
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