Fuel protests bring road disruption as organisers press for relief

Protests were reported near Lenasia on Monday morning as a campaign calling for a national shutdown over fuel prices raised concerns about disruption to roads, workplaces and schools.

BusinessTech reported on Monday that the N12 near Lenasia had been closed in both directions because of protests. The report did not establish the extent of participation nationally, and the closure should be treated as a morning traffic report rather than confirmation of current road conditions.

Concerned Citizens of South Africa (CCSA), which organised the shutdown call, is demanding cuts to fuel taxes and levies and a review of the pricing formula.

The group has also given the government 14 days to respond to its demand for a 50% reduction in fuel prices or face a further three-day shutdown, SABC News reported.

CCSA spokesperson Siphiwe Mpungose said the organisation would seek support from unions and taxi and trucking associations if its demands were not met. That appeal does not establish that those organisations have agreed to participate.

Separately, Cosatu parliamentary co-ordinator Matthew Parks called for R10 billion earmarked for fuel-price relief to be used to cushion consumers. He told CapeTalk that the federation shared public frustration but had not adopted a position on this particular shutdown.

The protest call has also raised concerns about access to examinations. The Western Cape Education Department urged residents to consider the effect that disruption could have on matriculants.

Sources: BusinessTech, SABC News and EWN/CapeTalk, 19 October; Smile FM, 16 October.