In what was declared as the National Day of Action by the Democratic Alliance, the official opposition took to the streets today against what it has described as “ANC load shedding”, as well as the electricity tariff increase. 

The city’s streets were filled with people dressed in blue regalia as the protest lead by the DA began at Mary Fitzgerald Square.

Led by DA leader, John Steenhuisen and other leaders of the party, the crowd of DA supporters carried placards and sang songs as they made they way to Luthuli House. 

Whilst many have criticised the party for protesting to the ANC’s headquarters and not the Eskom headquarters instead, Steenhuisen emphasised that Luthuli House is the “scene of the crime”.

“When you have a problem, you go to the root of the problem”- John Steenhuisen.

When speaking to those gathered, Steenhuisen expressed that Luthuli house is the root of the problem, even describing it as the “Criminal house”.

He further added that the country has an “ANC problem” and that power needs to be taken from the governing party and given back to the people.

Meanwhile, the ANC Youth League stood ready to welcome the DA and defend Luthuli House. 

With the police having barricaded some of the street where the headquarters are located, the two parties were kept separate with concerns of conflict emerging between them both. 

“The ANC is not going to be receiving any memorandum from the DA”- ANC Spokesperson, Pule Mabe

Speaking to the media, ANC Spokesperson, Pule Mabe expressed that the ANC dispatched its youth league to come and welcome the DA, adding that senior officials of the party were busy fulfilling other responsibilities. 

He further expressed that the party would not be receiving any memorandum, adding that Luthuli House is not a playground for other political parties.