The countdown for the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) led- National Shutdown, is currently underway, with the EFF having held a media briefing to give insight on the party's plans for next week Monday's protest.

The EFF seems to be going ahead with what has been described as weeks of preparation for the National Shutdown that is scheduled to take place on 20 March 2023. The Shutdown will see many members of the public and EFF gathered in different parts of the country, with no set origin point or end.

According to EFF Commander in Chief, Julius Malema, "there is no starting point and finishing point" of the protest adding that "it is a protest and not a march".

Malema further urged protesters to gather at all strategic points, where they find it important, listing the JSE, harbours, among other locations, adding that it's a protest and it has no formula.

When asked whether the EFF would be prepared to face the consequences if anything goes wrong as a result of the shutdown, Malema emphasised the party's stance of having a peaceful protest with no damage to property, adding that they will no be taking responsibility for damaged property.

"EFF has no history of violence...The DA knows [that] there is going to be violence because its going to deploy agent provocatiers"- EFF CIC Julius Malema

According to Malema, the police will be in charge of dealing with wrongdoing, and implicated EFF members will be dealt with via internal disciplinary procedures within the party.

When speaking on the opposition towards the shutdown from other political parties, Malema expressed that "the DA has taken a decision to protect Ramaphosa"

Malema further criticised DA leader, John Steenhuisen for his remarks on the planned shutdown, adding that these were a part of a publicity stunt to "demonstrate to his funders".

Speaking on ActionSA's leader, Herman Mashaba's condemnation of the shutdown, Malema clapped back calling him a "clown of note", adding that there is nothing Mashaba can do to stop the shutdown.

"If this protests goes beyond March 20 then it is a revolution that can't be stopped. Ramaphosa can stop it by stepping down"- EFF CIC Julius Malema

With the National Shutdown set to take place at the start of next week, the public has since been warned of the possible blocking of roads on the day which could see many unable to commute to work.