City monitors shutdown threat amid tariff backlash

A WhatsApp message urging an illegal shutdown of Ekurhuleni on Monday and Tuesday has caught the attention of authorities.

- Hein Kaiser

However, whether South Africans would muster the courage to act on civil disobedience incitement remains a question mark.

The message, the origin of which is untraceable, has circulated across thousands of residents' chat groups and reads as an emotional plea to Joe Public to take action.

"From 18-20 August, we are calling for a complete shutdown. All entrances must be closed. No work. No school. No business as usual. We have tried talking. We've sent people to negotiate. But they lie at the Gauteng legislature, saying our issues are resolved. That's a lie. Nothing has been resolved," read the message.

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said they were aware of the message and authorities have been notified.

"This kind of incitement for what ultimately leads to civil disobedience is not conducive to constructive discourse," he said.

"Intelligence agencies are investigating the source of the message and balance of probabilities that it will take place."