GEORGE NEWS - Although widespread rumours of a national shutdown against fuel price hikes by some taxi associations and trade unions is a hot topic right now, local taxi associations, Uncedo George and Codeta Disadvantaged Taxi Association George, confirmed that they will not be taking part in any such event.
The South African National Taxi Association (Santaco) has also indicated that they will not participate in the proposed shutdown. They also urge others to desist.
News of a possible national shutdown surfaced online this week as taxi fares are set to increase following the recent spike in fuel prices.
Police, other law enforcement agencies and emergency services remain on high alert.
George’s municipal communications manager, Chantèl Edwards, said that the municipal traffic services, law enforcement and disaster management centre will apply standard protest protocol should there be any confirmation of the shutdown.
Go George bus services
Edwards also confirmed that Go George services will operate as normal.
"Due to rumours of widespread service shutdown tomorrow, 10 June, passengers seem to be uncertain whether Go George services will be operational. We have not received any notice of staff planning to strike and at this stage we are planning to operate as usual.
"Police nationally are on high alert and closely monitoring the situation. Passengers will be notified if any change in normal operations becomes necessary," she said.
Schools
The Western Cape Education Department has also indicated that schools will carry on as normal.
Police
In a statement earlier today, a national police spokesperson, Col Athlenda Mathe, said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) confirmed awareness of unsigned messages and posters circulating on various social media platforms calling for a national shutdown.
“Those behind these messages are warned and reminded that prohibiting people's freedom of movement is a criminal offence. Members of the public are therefore cautioned against spreading such messages that seek to mobilise communities to respond to the shutdown” said Mathe.
“The Natjoints calls on all people in South Africa to work together with law enforcement authorities to uphold and enforce the law. Any action aimed at contravening the law, will be dealt with accordingly within the ambit of the law.”
She confirmed that law enforcement officers have been deployed and are on high alert to prevent and combat any forms of criminality.
Afriforum
In a statement circulated on social media earlier today, the non-governmental association, Afriforum, said there is no central organisation driving or organising the “shutdown”.
“There is a possibility for smaller local shutdowns or demonstrations that can be carried out by individuals or groups pushing their own agendas or trying to abuse the momentum to their own advantage,” said Afriforum’s Schalk de Beer in the statement.
“These protests are very difficult to predict and local security structures should provide more accurate information to their communities in this regard.”
He also confirmed that several role players who collaborate with the police indicated that they also monitor the rumours and that contingency plans are in place in the event of any protests.
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