Geordin Hill-Lewis, the Mayor of Cape Town, has issued a firm cautionary statement to the organizers of a planned nationwide shutdown slated for March 20th.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are planning to stage the protest in response to the load-shedding crisis and are calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign. However, Hill-Lewis has made it clear that Mother City will not be participating in the shutdown.
The EFF has stated that schools and businesses will be closed on the day, and they have also requested public transport operators to refrain from operating.
Despite this, Hill-Lewis has emphasized that Cape Town is a city focused on progress and development, with no time for national shutdowns. He urged the organizers not to be “stupid” and not to attempt the shutdown in the city, stating that the authorities would ensure that such a scenario does not occur.
Hill-Lewis pointed out that the city is committed to building a brighter future, creating employment opportunities, and uplifting the community out of poverty.
The proposed national shutdown would not align with the city’s goals and values. The mayor’s message to the organizers was clear they should not waste their time attempting to bring the country to a standstill in Cape Town.