POLL | Have you been affected by the national shutdown?

South Africans have been on high alert amid a national shutdown protest by the EFF on Monday.

The red berets are calling for the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa and an end to load-shedding, among other issues.

The party warned businesses countrywide to close their doors or risk looting, leading to the DA lodging an application for an urgent interdict against “intimidation” during the protests. 

The party’s bid to have the protests declared unlawful was dismissed but the EFF, its members, employees and officials were prevented from shutting down businesses and public routes, and from inciting violence. 

Buses, taxis and flights were not interrupted on Monday, and there have been no reports of essential services being affected.

Some companies and institutions warned their workers to be vigilant and to work from home, while others said it will be business as usual.

There was also increased security on major national routes, and at landmarks and potential “hotspots”.