No violence in Thaba!

Thabazimbi – The national shutdown driven by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Monday 20 March 2023 had many South African citizens anxious.

The EFF had declared a nationwide shutdown protest in an attempt to remove President Cyril Ramaphosa from his position, and to raise their contempt regarding the country’s issue with loadshedding. 

Fortunately, the Thabazimbi community opted to take a proactive approach as many community safety stakeholders vigilantly remained on alert for any signs of violence and danger. 

The Thabazimbi Community Policing Forum (CPF), Thaba Fire and Rescue (TFR), Matlabas Plaaswag, Dinare Security, Thaba Alarms, BYL Security, RRM Security, South African Police Service (SAPS) and members of the community already started patrolling the streets at 17:00 pm on Sunday 19 March 2023 in anticipation of the EFF’s ‘shutdown’. 

On the day of the shutdown, community safety stakeholders made sure that business owners and the community were constantly updated on the developments surrounding the EFF protest. An incident command post was established at the Thabazimbi airstrip (vliegveld) where information was received and shared, while helicopters were piloted over Thabazimbi and Northam. The protest concluded without any major incidents thanks to the dedication and vigilance of the community safety stakeholders.

“We are grateful for everything that was done to protect the safety of our livelihoods and our lives. Thank you to every man and woman who patrolled the streets, making sure that the protest went down without violence,” said AutoZone Thabazimbi’s management. 

Platinum Bushvelder would like to thank everyone who contributed, whether it involved managing the WhatsApp groups, or donating water, fuel, and food to the heroes on the streets—your efforts are highly appreciated.

 

#FosteringASenseOfCommunity