Numerous businesses in the Johannesburg Central Business District shut their doors Tuesday after members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) allegedly called on traders to close their shops, following the sentencing of party leader Julius Malema in a gun discharge case.
Shops across the CBD remained closed as EFF members took to the streets, having gathered to watch a stream of Malema’s address. Street vendors were also told to stay away from the area.
One employee, speaking to a reporter on the scene, said workers were forced to shut down. “We were told to close today,” the employee said. “The fighters have to build a command by themselves. So please shop as possible as you can. We are trying to make everything under control right now.”
However, the EFF’s provincial chairperson denied any involvement in forcing closures, insisting the party’s actions remained disciplined.
“There’s no such a thing,” the chairperson said. “We’ve always undertaken programs of the EFF with the highest level of respect and the highest level of discipline. And this is one of such cases.”
He argued that large crowds naturally lead some shops to close “on the basis that there could be anticipation of some level of disruption particularly in terms of business.” He added: “There was no communication to the effect. We’ve never engaged any of these shops to do exactly that which you are claiming.”
When pressed on multiple employees reporting that individuals in EFF regalia told them to shut down, the chairperson suggested the party was being wrongly blamed. “One point they say it was an EFF list. The next day they come back and say it emanates from the ANC and ANC members. So this could be such one of those cases where we are being blamed for something that we have no knowledge of.”
He noted that the provincial secretary and deputy secretary were both present, and pointed to moving traffic as evidence of no violence. “The cars are just freely moving and they are not damaged. There’s no level of damage that has been caused.”
Asked about Malema’s sentencing, the chairperson said the party had registered grievances regarding the magistrate’s conduct but accepted the process of appeal. “We’re okay with the prospect of obviously going to appeal not only the conviction but also the sentencing that has been attributed towards the commander,” he said.
Scenes from the CBD showed supporters bashing corrugated irons and doors blocking entrances to buildings. The march appeared to be heading toward Winnie Mandela House, the EFF’s headquarters at Gandhi Square.
