The EFF is planning a shutdown of the Western Cape on Monday.
The party tweeted: “Be on the right side of history and join the EFF Western Cape Provincial Shutdown scheduled to take place on 2 October. We say no more unjust taxi impoundments, no to gangsterism, no to collapsed service delivery, no to unemployment, no to unlawful evictions, no to racism!
“The days of the DA-led City of Cape Town draconian rule and racism are over. For too long have the poorest of the poor and working class been treated with disdain by the DA-led government. The time has come to stand and say: enough is enough!”
The EFF will be supported by the ANC, Sanco, Saftu, the PAC and other organisations.
One of their demands is the release of the impounded taxis in Ndabeni, Maitland.
However, deputy chairperson of the South African National Taxi Council, Nceba Enge, said Santaco will not be participating in the planned action.
“We are aware of the march, but it was organised by political parties,” Enge added.
On Wednesday, Safety MEC Reagen Allen met with district executive mayors, along with officials from various provincial departments, municipalities and SAPS to assess provincial readiness for the EFF’s protest.
“I have been assured by the SAPS and law enforcement agencies that any attempts to cause anarchy will be met with the full might of the law.”
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said SAPS were aware of plans for a march, not a provincial shutdown.
“We have met with the organisers of the march to discuss the terms and conditions as prescribed by legislation.
“We have already established our operational and contingency plans and will have adequate resources, both physical and human, deployed on the day to address any eventuality that might arise,” he stated.
The City's mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said that the directorate is aware of the planned EFF march but added that “these proposed shutdowns occur periodically but rarely materialise or have significant consequences”.
“They mainly cause panic when messages spread through WhatsApp and social media. We condemn this tactic as it strains City employers already struggling due to load shedding and high fuel costs,” Smith said.
The City has an operational plan for the day in case any protest becomes violent or disrupts traffic, which includes provisions for addressing public disorder and violence, using technologies such as drones and CCTV for effective response.
“The City will not hesitate to pursue criminal and civil legal action against organisers or political parties responsible for gatherings or protests resulting in violence or damage to public or private property.
“Similar to the actions currently taken by the City in response to the violent protests initiated by the EFF and NCC,” Smith said.
“Earlier today, the Minibus Taxi Task Team successfully concluded negotiations and will now proceed with implementing the agreement to ensure uninterrupted transport operations.
“The City commends SANTACO for not heeding the call for a stay-away and their confirmation to stay operational on the day,” he said.