EFF National Shutdown

South Africa -On Monday, more than 30 protesters associated with the national EFF shutdown were arrested for attempting to disrupt operations at a Woolworths store in Sandton. The arrests were made due to contravention of a court order, public violence, and intimidation. The South Gauteng High Court had issued an order prohibiting the EFF and its members from interfering with retail stores and businesses.

The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa, which represents major retailers such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Woolworths, Spar, and Massmart, confirmed the incident but noted that it was one of only a few sporadic incidents across the country. The group of EFF-affiliated protesters sat down at the entrances to block entry into the store before being dispersed and arrested by the police. Despite this incident and a few others, the retailers reported that it was mostly “business as usual.”