This article contains rolling updates on the KZN shutdown. Keep refreshing this page for new videos and details on the unrest taking place in parts of the province.
Supporters of former president Jacob Zuma are rallying for a KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) shutdown which could have an adverse impact on daily operations in most parts of the province, on Friday.
KZN shutdown: Protesters want Jacob Zuma released
Two days into his prison stint at the Estcourt Correctional Services facility, and things have yet to settle in the Zulu province. Suspended ANC leader Carl Niehaus was arrested outside of the prison while he addressed the media, the head of Amabutho, Zihogo “Mgilija” Nhleko, was expelled for sending regiments to support the former president in Nkandla last week, and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola faced accusations of leaking Zuma’s prison photos.
All of this took place within a span of 24 hours after the 79-year-old was booked into prison and it was not the end in a day filled with dramatic events.
On Thursday evening, trickles of unrest broke out in a number of regions in KZN. In KwaDukuza, pro-Zuma supporters barricaded roads with rubble and burning tyres, affecting evening peak traffic.
#ZumaArrest Motorists using the N2 (KwaDukuza toll plaza), trying to find alternative routes as the freeway is blocked by those calling themselves supporters of former President @PresJGZuma. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/tIfLQjauiA
— Siphamandla Goge (@SiphamandlaGoge) July 8, 2021
These demonstrations, from what we understand, have spilled onto Friday with Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sibandla, at the forefront of calls for a KZN shutdown.
Until @PresJGZuma is FREE. SAFE. ALIVE! I agree with this Amandla ✊ ✊ ✊ !!! #FreeJacobZuma Azishe Cdes! pic.twitter.com/nDpoyM1gbU
— Dudu Zuma-Sambudla (@DZumaSambudla) July 9, 2021
No official information has been released on what protesters have planned but this tweet from Duduzile suggests that it could be a tough outing for KZN law enforcement officials on this day.
Ekabe kungaba njani uma singathi gqi emahhovisi ka mphathi Wesifundazwe sa KwaZulu Natal? Amandla ✊ ✊ ✊ !!! #FreeJacobZuma pic.twitter.com/nekeVceLQr
— Dudu Zuma-Sambudla (@DZumaSambudla) July 9, 2021
KZN shutdown: Protesters want Zuma out of jail
According to messages shared by Duduzile, it appears that Zuma supporters want him unshackled and sent home as early as Saturday.
Bring Back Jacob Zuma Bringing Back Hope To South Africa. We Want To See Him Walking Down The Streets Of eNkanda With MaKhumalo…TOMORROW!!! #FreeJacobZuma pic.twitter.com/mEsGy3goLI
— Dudu Zuma-Sambudla (@DZumaSambudla) July 9, 2021
While that may be an unrealistic demand, it’s not entirely improbable. Zuma’s application for a permanent stay in the contempt charge was dismissed by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday.
However, the former president still has his day with the apex court when it is set to review his rescission application next week. If the ConCourt finds fault in its arrest order, then Zuma could be released from prison.
This small silver lining, however, has not doused the fires that burn in some parts of KZN.
Cdes In Richards Bay, We See You! Amandla ✊ ✊ ✊ !!! (Who does sugar cane that is being burnt belong to?) pic.twitter.com/Mwt8JtY28M
— Dudu Zuma-Sambudla (@DZumaSambudla) July 9, 2021
KZN shutdown: Road closures for Friday 9 July 2021
Law enforcement officials have been out in numbers, monitoring Friday’s unrest in parts of KZN where Zuma enjoys a great deal of influence.
At this time, KZN’s traffic department has not issued a notice for roads that are likely to be affected by the shutdown. However, from what we have assessed, these areas are hotspots for outbreaks of violence on Friday:
- N3 highway Durban in-bound, between Hammarsdale and Keyridge
#KZNShutDown – N3 Durban bound – between Hammarsdale and Keyridge – THE BACKLOG just after 1pm pic.twitter.com/x9cAeddQOK
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) July 9, 2021
- Clairwood, Durban (South Coast Road):
#KZNShutDown #Durban South Coast Road: Clairwood pic.twitter.com/da6ZFuR4FS
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) July 9, 2021
- M4 southern highway, Durban:
#KZNShutDown #Durban M4 North: Southern Freeway: BLOCKED / CLOSED pic.twitter.com/xCIl6DZ5K5
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) July 9, 2021
- Multiple locations in Inanda:
#KZNShutDown #Durban M4 North: Southern Freeway: BLOCKED / CLOSED pic.twitter.com/xCIl6DZ5K5
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) July 9, 2021
- KwaDukuza;
#FreeJacobZuma KwaDukuza pic.twitter.com/YXhRFJUDdf
— Ne-nehhh (@cne_zz) July 9, 2021
- Ballito;
Please follow me and I will follow back immediately. KZN M4 Ballito is Blocked #FreeJacobZuma #AceMagashule #KZNshutdown Durban Mohale Monada Makhadzi pic.twitter.com/RYqg0as63E
— Thabo Mathebula (@Thabo_Math) July 9, 2021
- Richards Bay;
Richards Bay Harbour next ✊ #CyrilRamaphosaMustFall#KZNshutdown #FreeJacobZuma pic.twitter.com/JsdOGbD1aa
— #iPartyKabani (@SBzo69) July 9, 2021
- Empangeni;
Empangeni #KZNshutdown pic.twitter.com/n7p7nRW4hV
— Siyanda Nkosi (@SyandaRedhot) July 9, 2021
- Estcourt, uThukela
At this time, no protest activity has been reported in Estcourt. However, sources on the ground suggest that protesters plan on heading in that direction soon. More updates to follow.
- Durban central
This is in the Durban CBD where protesters supporting #JacobZuma have burned some dirt on the roads as part of #KZNShutDown. Police arrived & cleared the place but it can flare up at anytime. #JacobZuma must not be freed. pic.twitter.com/F32xQXyY52
— Ameen Alexander (@AmeenAlexander_) July 9, 2021
Motorists and commuters are advised to practice great caution when travelling in these towns.