Shutdown response should lead to some recovery in confidence – BLSA

The police, backed up by the army, largely maintained law and order, protecting people and property during the attempted national shutdown on March 20, which showed that the State is capable of exercising its power and businesses should recover some confidence that South Africa is a country where the rule of law is enforced, said business organisation Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) CEO Busi Mavuso in her latest weekly newsletter on March 27.

"Many businesses chose to close or keep staff at home, which showed widespread concern that the planned shutdown could lead to violence and disruption. These concerns were driven by the memories of looting and destruction of property in July 2021 that remain fresh.

"The irresponsible political rhetoric around the shutdown had inflamed fears; however, the State reacted appropriately and the response was proportionate to the fears ordinary citizens and businesses had," she said.