#NationalShutdown is trending in South Africa. Just weeks back, it was flying around as mere rumour with the police authorities urging the populace to ignore anyone trying to peddle that advocacy and cause fear across the Rainbow Nation.
Well, it has passed the realms of assumption and speculation this time. A national shutdown is planned for August 23. However, several trade unions have indicated an interest in participating, and preparations are underway.
Many reasons have been adduced for the planned #NationalShutdown, including load shedding, the cost of living, and massive corruption in the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Trade Union Federation, under the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), will be a part of the protest slated for tomorrow.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) will be a part of the #NationalShutdown as well. Its march will hold in several provinces, including the Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Gauteng.
While plans are underway for the protests tomorrow, some analysts have expressed worry about it all, fearing that miscreants might use the cover of the rally to loot and unleash mayhem. Others worry that the South African economy would be the worse for it.
It remains to be seen what tomorrow will present.
