The Johannesburg High Court has dismissed an application by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to have the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) national shutdown on Monday declared as “unlawful”.
However, in its ruling on Saturday morning, the High Court did issue an interdict against inciting any form of violence, interruption or shutting down of businesses, public roads and schools on the day.
The judgment states that “calling for, promoting, instigating or organising the blocking of roads or railway lines and or shutting down schools, retail stores and businesses and trade has been stopped".
“Organising or participating in or inciting others to organise or participate in any unlawful conduct or unlawful protest action and inciting violence are all prohibited."
The DA welcomed the judgement, especially that no-one’s rights should be violated if they chose to “go to work, go to school, and trade, by any means of intimidation, violence, or coercion.
The main opposition says it believes the interdict will strengthen the arm of law enforcement and security services to uphold the rule of law during the national shutdown.
On Friday, the Western Cape High Court issued a similar ruling that the EFF may proceed with its planned protest, but interdicted from any form of violence.
The National shutdown is expected to take place on Monday across the country.
Meanwhile the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said it is of the view that during these tough economic times, the country needs to be open and not shut down.
Executive mayor, Retief Odendaal said the Metro would not tolerate any incitement to commit violence nor intimidation of those who do not wish to participate.
Odendaal assured residents that it would be business as usual in the Metro tomorrow.
He said measures had been put in place to ensure that everyone who wants to work, travel for leisure and conduct business would do so in a safe and secure environment.
