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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality said measures were put in place to ensure that people who want to go to work, or conduct business on Monday, can do so in a safe and secure environment.
Executive Mayor, Retief Odendaal, also assured residents that in spite of the call by the Economic Freedom Fighters for a national shutdown, it would be “a normal business day.”
“During these tough economic times, we need to open our economy, not shut it down. Whilst we respect the right to protest, South Africa is a Constitutional State that subscribes to the rule of law,” he said.
Odendaal said the safety of citizens, property, and infrastructure remains the top priority, and that the planned shutdown will have a significant impact on the City’s economy, and “we cannot allow that.”
Meanwhile, the MMC for Safety and Security, Lawrence Troon, said that the City’s law enforcement agencies have compiled a comprehensive action plan and would be deployed to strategic locations.
“Our law enforcement agencies are ready to deal with anyone who seeks to cause disorder or anarchy. Acts of violence, intimidation, and destruction of property are criminal offences and the police must arrest and prosecute those who commit such acts.”
Troon added that most communities and various sectors of society, including national and local taxi associations, have rejected the shutdown call.
Meanwhile, the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber said the planned national shutdown is not the solution to addressing the economic challenges facing the country.
The Chamber said due to Tuesday being a public holiday, some businesses have made alternative arrangements to catch up on lost productions while others will operate as normal.
CEO Denise van Huyssteen said some employees have taken an opportunity to go on extended leave as Tuesday is a public holiday.
Van Huyssteen said these are normal practices that should not be interpreted as support for the planned shutdown.
“We encourage businesses to not be intimidated by the protest organisers and to treat Monday as a normal working day,” she added.
The Chamber says it is pleased that the taxi and bus operators are treating Monday as a normal business day and that there will be a collaboration between the Metro, police and security companies.
The Border Kei Chamber of Business says businesses cannot afford to close for the whole day on Monday.
Executive Director, Lizelle Maurice, says businesses suffered enough under the financial strain of Covid-19, and with the impact of load shedding, closing for a day will be detrimental to the economy.
