In a matter of hours, Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) political party, will attempt to shut down South Africa through a massive protest.
Malema is urging party members to join the protest with full force and without fear. However, government leaders are not receiving this move well and are warning that it could lead to anarchy and unconstitutional regime change.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), which is the leading opposition party, has attempted to prevent the demonstration from taking place on a national level as well as in Cape Town. However, the Red Berets are persisting with their demands for an end to load shedding and for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign.
EFF’s determined to shut down SA despite police & military response, Monday’s event is expected to be different from the several marches that the EFF has held in its ten years of existence.
During an address to party members in Soweto on Friday, Malema issued a clear instruction that all major roads, including the M1 and M2, should have banners calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down.
The plan is for protesters to take to the streets early on Monday, with many heading to Pretoria, where the seat of power is located. Malema has insisted that the protest will be peaceful, but he has also called on party members to retaliate if provoked.
The EFF are planning a massive protest that has the potential to bring the country to a halt. They aim to end load shedding and call for the president to step down. Although the EFF has held several marches in the past, this one is expected to be different. Government leaders are warning against unconstitutional regime change.
Nevertheless, the party remains determined to proceed with the protest, which Malema has declared will be peaceful, but with the possibility of retaliation if provoked.