The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) confirmed earlier today that several streets will be affected tomorrow due to a National Shutdown march.

Pretoria Rekord reports that the Defend South Africa movement has organised a march from the Old Putco Depot in Marabastad to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, starting at 10:00.

Motorists are advised to avoid the following streets:

• Struben Street
• Cowie Street
• Kgosi Mampuru Street
• Bosman Street
• Sophie de Bruyn Street
• Paul Kruger Street
• Thabo Sehume Street
• Lillian Ngoyi Street
• Du Toit Street
• Nelson Mandela Drive
• Madiba Street
• Hamilton Street

Alternative routes to consider:

• Eskia Mphahlele Drive
• Nana Sita Street
• Francis Baard Street
• WF Nkomo Street
• Bloed Street

TMPD and SAPS officers will be deployed to monitor the march and affected areas.

“From the gathering point, they will join Struben Street, proceed until they turn right onto Nelson Mandela Drive, turn left at Stanza Bopape Street, and continue straight to the Union Buildings,” TMPD said.

The marchers are expected to disperse from the Union Buildings at 13:30.

A circulated message from the movement contains threats, alleging that key figures are holding secret meetings to push for an interim president, with names like Julius Malema, Thabo Mbeki, and Patrice Motsepe reportedly being considered.

The message warns that any actions contrary to the ‘people will govern’ policy will not be tolerated, threatening severe consequences if demands are unmet. It includes threats of widespread unrest, disruptions at airports, ports, and transport services, and even violence against non-complying taxis, which it claims are controlled by the so-called ‘Stellenbosch mafia’.

If demands are not met, the message states that the country could face total destruction, with further escalation planned for Monday if tomorrow’s actions do not yield satisfactory results.

The petition associated with the event cites concerns over alleged corruption and governance failures during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s tenure.

Key issues raised in the petition include unresolved concerns about the CR-17 campaign funds and the findings of the Section 89 Independent Panel, which have raised allegations of corruption and eroded public trust in the presidency.

Additionally, the government’s handling of foreign nationals is criticised, particularly regarding spaza shops selling unsafe products and the easing of visa requirements for Nigerian nationals amid rising drug trafficking and human trafficking concerns, implemented without public consultation.

The petition also highlights South Africa’s ongoing economic recession, record-high unemployment rates, and the government’s failure to present effective solutions.

Furthermore, rising crime levels, including violent attacks and gender-based violence, have exposed the government’s inability to implement effective safety measures, leaving citizens vulnerable.

“Given these reasons, we believe that President Cyril Ramaphosa should have never become president. He is a deeply compromised person who will only lead our country to further decline, suffering, and instability. We demand his immediate resignation and call for new leadership to restore hope, economic stability, and effective governance.”

Earlier this week, the organiser said they expect more than 500 people to participate in the march.

The EFF and the National Taxi Alliance on Tuesday confirmed they are not aware of the march.

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