The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has called on the government to ensure that South Africans who do not “support” the national death march are protected.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are expected to lead a nationwide protest on Monday, March 20, with the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu).
The main reasons for the protest by the red berets include demanding the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, crippling burden shedding, crime, rising cost of living and unemployment.
The right to protest
SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said the commission had taken note of the national closure plan organized by the EFF.
“We are fully aware of the damaging impact of the burden and the lack of electricity supply on the lives of the people and the economy, and while everyone is sure of the right to express and express their dissatisfaction, the Commission is concerned about the level of threats and intimidation. communicated in the media, and other platforms as part of building a protest action.
“If this threat of violence is followed up by EFF supporters or others participating in the march, it could cause harm and violate human rights,” Baloyi said.
Also read: WATCH: Ramaphosa warns EFF ‘anarchy and disorder will not be tolerated’
Non-supporters must be protected
Baloyi said South Africans who did not support the national shutdown should be kept safe.
“The commission calls on the government and relevant ministries to ensure that people who want to exercise their rights, and who do not support the EFF’s protest actions, are not afraid or harmed when they do their lives and livelihoods on March 20, 2023.
We also call on law enforcement agencies to continue to protect and serve all those who may or may not be part of the protest and exercise restraint when the protesters are marshalled on Monday,” Baloyi added.
Ramaphosa’s warning
On Thursday, Ramaphosa warned the EFF and other protesters that anarchy would not be tolerated during the death march and that law enforcement officials would defend the people of South Africa.
“The security forces of our country are going to defend our people. They will ensure that intimidation, anarchy and disruption will not happen. But those who want to protest, by all means protest peacefully.
“But if you are going to limit the rights of others, coerce them, intimidate them and unleash violence, our security forces will defend the people of South Africa, which I must say because we will not allow disorder and anarchy to prevail in this country and against the people of South Africa . This will not be allowed,” Ramaphosa said.
Also read: National shutdown: Putco buses operate on Monday