On 25 May, residents of Bloemfontein experienced a significant shutdown as organizers aimed to have their grievances addressed. Posters announcing the shutdown spread rapidly via social media and WhatsApp, urging people to participate in the demonstrations.
The situation escalated with reports of foreign-owned shops being looted, particularly in areas like Phase 6 and Rocklands, where bottle stores and the Rocklands Shopping Centre were targeted. The police faced challenges in maintaining order, with unrest starting the night before, leading to some interstate businesses being attacked.
The shutdown disrupted the daily lives of many, resulting in students missing school, public transport grinding to a halt, and shops shutting down across the city.
According to Potso Motoko, leader of the National Service Delivery Forum and one of the event’s organizers, the shutdown was a response to ignored pleas regarding essential services. Key issues at the forefront include the demand for taxi and spaza shop permits, improved service delivery (such as water and sanitation), job creation, and measures to combat crime and illegal immigration.
Motoko expressed frustration over the lack of response from local and national leaders, including submissions made to the Mangaung Municipality, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office, and relevant MECs. He emphasized that their goal was to hold the government accountable.
“The shutdown is meant to hold government accountable. We demand that President Ramaphosa come and solve people’s problems,” Motoko stated, highlighting that the actions were intended as a peaceful protest focused on advocacy, not criminal activity.
While intending for the shutdown to remain non-violent, Motoko condemned the associated looting, clarifying that the organizers do not support such acts. “We distance ourselves from the looting,” he affirmed.
As a result of the disorder, police reported that 142 individuals were arrested on charges of looting and public violence, further complicating an already tense situation.
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