Statement by the Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security JP Smith:

The City is aware of numerous notices doing the rounds on social media, referring to a national shutdown planned for tomorrow, 24 August 2022.

Currently, we can confirm receipt of two planned demonstrations tomorrow:

• A picket by COSATU for 100 participants outside the PRASA Building in the CBD
• A march by SAFTU, at 10am, starting from Hanover Street in the CBD, and proceeding to the Civic Centre, Provincial Legislature and Parliament, with 1 000 participants

SAPS is the lead agency on matters relating to public order policing, but the City’s enforcement services will deploy in support of SAPS, and manage road closures and traffic impacts as the procession moves through the CBD.

We appeal to the organisers of the demonstrations to ensure that their members adhere to the conditions set out, and to ensure that proceedings are peaceful.

Our enforcement services will also be on alert for any other possible disruptions in other parts of the city.

The public is advised to follow the City’s social media channels to monitor for any updates, or local media platforms.

• Should you witness any disruptions or imminent threats, please call the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialing 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.

There have been numerous threatened “shutdowns” announced by social media over the last few years.

These have not materialised and intentionally or inadvertently create social media panic and instability.

While some of the issues referenced in these shutdown notices are legitimate, the approach of creating blockades and disruptions harms the most vulnerable communities and does not contribute to addressing the problems being referenced as the cause of the protest.

*The aim of Cosatu’s picket is to call for better public transport, while Saftu’s march is aimed at addressing a number of economic challenges such as joblessness, and the cost of living.

Join the #NationalShutDown in your province. pic.twitter.com/SNUXlhNzju

— SAFTU (@SAFTU_media) August 23, 2022

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