Cape Town to seek urgent interdict to prevent EFF disruptions

14 March 2023

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the City is this morning filing an application for an interdict against any attempts to incite or participate in looting, vandalism, and disruption as part of the EFF’s ‘national shutdown’ protest planned for Monday, 20 March. The City intends to be fully open for business in all respects on Monday. Everyone has the right to democratically protest in South Africa, but it is undemocratic and unlawful to threaten a shutdown of public life, and for businesses to stay closed or face dire consequences. The City's interdict application in the Western Cape High Court aims to ensure the organisers and participants stay within the confines of the law and permit them to march to the National Parliament Buildings to hand over a memorandum. The interdict application also serves as firm notice that the City will not hesitate to prosecute a civil claim against the EFF should any of its public infrastructure be damaged. 

'Cape Town will be open for business as usual, and authorities are well prepared and equipped to deal with what is likely to be only limited isolated attempts at disruption by the EFF. Would-be disruptors will be arrested and we are also seeking a precautionary interdict against looting, vandalism or disruptions,' said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

The Mayor said while the City fully recognises the right to democratic protest, this does not allow for thuggery aimed at terrorising members of the public.

'We will ensure that Capetonians are able to go about their daily business on Monday. Should any damage to public infrastructure occur on Monday, the City will not hesitate to lay a civil claim against the EFF given their public threats made to date. We are focused on growing the economy and getting more people into work so they can earn a living and thrive: there will be no national shutdown in Cape Town,' said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office