By Panic has filled the hearts of Mangaung Metro residents as messages spread of a planned shutdown to take place on Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
Posters and voice notes have been circulating through social media bearing the logo of the African National Congress (ANC) calling on residents and warning them of the planned shutdown. The ANC in the Free State has since distanced itself from such saying it is anti-progressive and detrimental to the economy of the province and livelihoods of individuals.
“The ANC would also like to indicate that, it has not, through any of its structures, engaged with any organisation on a matter relating to the purported shutdown. Furthermore, the ANC discourages the community of Mangaung from heeding any call to partake in such a disruptive activity.
The leadership of the ANC both in the party and in government is a listening leadership, therefore, members of the community are urged to engage with its leadership where there are concerns,” said Jabu Mbalula, the Spokesperson for the ANC in the Free State.
Mbalula said the ANC respects the people’s right protest; however, things must be done within the parameters of the law. He further cautioned community members of wolves in sheep’s clothing who use genuine community concerns to push their own narrow selfish interests.
“Any shutdown activity will undermine the collective effort of the ANC led government and private business to attract investment into the province, reignite the economy and create more jobs. Such behaviour can only threaten jobs and livelihoods of many families.
This type of activity is not meant to achieve any positive outcome but to disrupt the daily routine and livelihoods of citizens, particularly those who depend on the day to day trading of goods; small businesses and vendors, to feed their families,” said Jabu Mbalula.
The Free State Provjoints Structure said it has noted the messages and voice notes of the planned shutdown, and further assured residents in Mangaung that there is no course for panic as the intelligence community is assessing the messages and necessary steps will be taken if the need arises.
The Spokesperson for the Provjoints Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said they are closely monitoring the situation and has called for calm amongst residents and to refrain from spreading the messages further and rather continue with their daily lives.
“Furthermore, we would like to caution those planning any type of march or demonstration to ensure that their activities are within the ambits of the law. Any action that violates the law and disrupts the daily lives of citizens will not be tolerated. Law enforcement agencies will not stand idle while other’s rights are unlawfully infringed upon,” warned Brigadier Makhele.
