The nationwide shutdown of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) planned for Monday may not lead to widespread violence and looting, as online posts and WhatsApp messages have suggested. While the protest action will see sporadic outbreaks of violence and crime, the hope is that it will be no worse or more peaceful than other civil actions in the country. Read also: Gov fighting again: No national shutdown, Monday will be a ‘normal day’ Calls for mobilization have been made rounds on social media but, as one tweeter pointed out, yesterday there were barely 60 000 posts referring to it. ..
The nationwide shutdown of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) planned for Monday may not lead to widespread violence and looting, as online posts and WhatsApp messages have suggested.
While the protest action will see sporadic outbreaks of violence and crime, the hope is that it will be no worse or more peaceful than other civil actions in the country.
Also Read: Gov fights back: No national shutdown, Monday will be a ‘normal day’
Calls for mobilization have been making the rounds on social media but, as tweeters have pointed out, yesterday there were almost 60,000 posts referring to the deaths.
TikTok, on the other hand, is alive with posts about death, but not specifically about moving people into protest gear.
But that does not mean that there is a lack of support or that mobilization has failed.
‘Spread the word faster’
Digital analyst Michelle Venter of Bold Online says social media is not a litmus test for measuring reach and engagement in protests like this.
“Many supporters of the EFF cannot access, or use, social media. So, in field activities and dark social web platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, it is possible to spread the word faster and more effectively than social media,” he said.
Political analyst Ongama Mtinka said it was important for people to express their anger.
“I think for the population to be mobilized, to express their anger, this is a good practice in a democracy because the political space we are invited to, such as elections and all official platforms, is controlled by the elite,” he said.
RELATED: National shutdown: Malema faces ‘white overseer appointed for blacks’
“What is of concern is the deliberate attempt to create chaos and socio-economic sabotage, as can be seen from some of the leaders’ rhetoric and the alleged attempts to intimidate businessmen.”
Venter notes that social media may serve three main functions for the EFF.
“First, it is an intimidation tactic to create fear and anxiety in the public and businesses, to encourage speculation and media reportage. Second, to reach the part of the constituency that talks online.
“Ultimately, and as with all EFF activities, to create a perception of scale and impact that is not always true.”
Mtinka agreed and noted that it has been EFF’s strategy for some time, along with other publicity stunts guaranteed to deliver media coverage.
He said the amount of coverage the EFF received was disproportionate to the number of seats it won in the elections and the actual level of support in the offline environment.
As such, Mtinka doubts that the call to shut down the country will gain national reach.
“None of the biggest unions can do that. But I think the impact that they will be able to have on the main event itself will be big enough to send a message.
“The EFF is a political force to be reckoned with, but it is not of the same proportions as it should be,” he said.
READ MORE: National shutdown: Malema ‘guarantees’ Santaco taxis will not be affected
A PowerPoint presentation, allegedly from a security company, has made the rounds in which details of events and possible flashpoints are determined.
The document also notes that people driving to work may be intimidated or attacked.
Another document, from an alleged risk advisory service, details high-risk locations. It is a mix of most major points, motorways and airports.
There were also WhatsApps, allegedly made by members of the South African Police Service, warning about leaving home on Monday.
Some messages even suggest protecting dogs, as they are the first line of defense against looters and home invaders.
‘Safety and security’
Venter said that while the internet and social media can be used to mobilize masses of people in protest or for good, they can also be used as weapons to spread fear.
He said: “Internet searches about killing have been steadily increasing with people looking for information, and more about safety and security than participation in any mass action.”
Venter said that instant messaging platforms or dark social media are also fear-mongering — not just mobilizing protesters.
Mtinka expects the death march to continue.
“I think that the march, but I don’t think that it will meet the necessary proportions for the death to be called national,” he said.
NOW Read: ‘Anarchy of the highest order’: Mbalula defies EFF’s national shutdown plan