Golden Arrow says its buses will operate as usual on Monday despite fears of possible violence and looting resulting from a nationwide shutdown called by the EFF. File picture: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency(ANA).
Golden Arrow buses will run as usual on Monday, the company says, despite fears of possible violence and looting resulting from a nationwide shutdown called by the EFF.
Golden Arrow’s general manager, Derick Meyer, appealed to those joining the shutdown to do so peacefully.
“Golden Arrow is contracted to the provincial Department of Mobility and is obligated to operate as per our timetables, and we plan to operate a normal service on Monday. We are working with all safety and security agencies to create operational and contingency plans for the day and will be monitoring all operational areas,” he said in a statement.
He encouraged passengers to follow the company’s Facebook page for updates.
Earlier, Premier Alan Winde warned that violence would not be tolerated.
“Threats of violence, looting of businesses, intimidation, and disruption of services is totally unacceptable.
“Videos of EFF members and party leader Julius Malema circulating on social media are tantamount to threats of unrest and incitement of violence. I will not stand for this.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said: “We will ensure that Capetonians are able to go about their daily business on Monday. We are focused on growing the economy and getting more people into work so they can earn a living and thrive. There will be no national shutdown in Cape Town.”
After meeting with the EFF on Wednesday, the South Africa National Taxi Council issued a statement on Thursday, saying that there would be normal taxi operations on the day of the planned shutdown.