The 2023 South African National Shutdown took place on March 20, 2023, organised by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The protest was held a day before Human Rights Day and aimed to demand the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa and an end to load-shedding across the country.
EFF leader Julius Malema had earlier warned businesses nationwide to close their doors during the protest or risk being looted. Despite the warning, several businesses and public services operated under heavy security supervision.
The shutdown saw widespread demonstrations in different parts of the country, including Tsakane, Gauteng, where large groups of protesters gathered. Law enforcement agencies such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) were deployed to maintain order.
By the end of the protest, 500 people were confirmed arrested across different provinces for various offences linked to the demonstrations.
Key figures during the shutdown included EFF leaders Julius Malema and Floyd Shivambu, while government officials such as President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Police Minister Bheki Cele, Defence Minister Thandi Modise, and DA leader John Steenhuisen represented state and opposition responses.
According to reports by the Mail and Guardian, the shutdown was believed to be a “dry-run” for the EFF’s 2024 general election campaign, testing the party’s ability to mobilize nationwide.
Polling by the Social Research Foundation conducted shortly before the protest indicated a decline in the EFF’s support base—from 12% in July 2022 to 6% in March 2023.
The protest highlighted growing political tensions in South Africa, as citizens continue to grapple with electricity shortages, economic hardship, and political dissatisfaction.
