Citizens have the right not to take part in EFF strike

NO CITIZEN is under obligation or compulsion to adhere to the EFF’S call for a national shutdown on March 20 if they do not wish to.

The Bill of Rights confers rights to all citizens. These are inalienable rights that cannot be subverted or undermined by agendas of political parties.

Everyone has a right to freedom of movement. A call for a national shutdown must not infringe or violate the rights of citizens should they not wish to participate in such action.

South Africans are well aware of what happens when marches, protests and the like are embarked on – it is a key that opens the doors to looting and destruction.

The EFF wants the country to be shut down for a day to demand electricity and the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling it “freedom day”. The logic, or lack thereof, bewilders the mind.

First, a one-day shutdown is not going to solve the problems at Eskom. Second, the people cannot remove a sitting president. The president can be removed only by a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly or if he is recalled by his political party.

Can the EFF comprehend the devastation to the economy, with even one day’s loss of productivity?

Ironically, it calls itself the “Economic Freedom Fighters”. Will it compensate the struggling lady selling her wares on the side of the road? Will the EFF compensate the employee who is employed on a no-work-nopay basis? Will it make good on lost time at schools and universities? Will the EFF compensate industry for lost productivity?

Citizen must resist attempts to be bullied into action they do not want to be involved in.

Such a call is neither in the interests of the country and nor will it achieve anything but mayhem.

NARENDH GANESH | Durban North