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Politics

Radical Opposition’s Bid to Shut Down South Africa Falls Short

  • Sporadic disruptions reported, business as usual in most towns
  • Police say 87 people were arrested on public violence charges
A barricade is seen in the road as members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) gather in Durban, South Africa, on March 20.

A barricade is seen in the road as members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) gather in Durban, South Africa, on March 20.

Photographer: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP
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A bid by a radical South African opposition party to shutter the economy fell short on Monday, with demonstrations attracting limited interest and most major towns and transport links continuing to operate normally. 

The Economic Freedom Fighters called for a national shutdown to protest against rolling blackouts and pressure President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign. There were sporadic disruptions, including some road closures, and some stores shut their doors, mainly in the city centers where marches were held.