South Africa braces for possible nationwide shutdown next week

South Africa – Concerned Citizens of South Africa has called for a nationwide shutdown on Monday, 19 October, demanding government intervention to reduce soaring fuel prices and ease the financial pressure on households.

According to BusinessTech, a poster circulating on social media calls on workers to stay away from work and learners to remain out of school as part of the proposed action.

The organisation’s representative, Ntokozo Mkhize, confirmed that the poster originated from the group, saying: “We are taking full ownership of that poster; it is from us.”

Mkhize described the organisation as a “purely a people’s movement” with no political party affiliation, adding that the campaign reflected public frustration over rising living costs.

General Fuel Levy

The group wants the government to reduce the General Fuel Levy by R3 per litre and scrap the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy, which currently adds R2.25 to every litre of fuel sold.

The proposed shutdown comes amid record fuel prices. BusinessTech reported that inland 95-octane petrol exceeded R30 per litre following price increases that took effect on 7 October.

The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has also called for further fuel tax relief, arguing that the increases are placing additional pressure on consumers already struggling with inflation and rising household expenses.

“The AA, as a matter of urgency, calls for the opposite,” the association said in response to proposals to increase the RAF levy.

Fuel affordability 

The AA further argued that the government should reinstate a R3-per-litre reduction in the General Fuel Levy, similar to temporary relief introduced earlier this year. According to National Treasury, the earlier intervention was estimated to cost R17.2 billion in foregone revenue.

However, the relief was phased out, with the General Fuel Levy on petrol returning to R4.10 per litre from July.

The proposed shutdown highlights growing pressure on the government to address fuel affordability, which affects transport costs and the prices of goods and services.

It remains unclear how widely the 19 October action will be supported and whether it will result in significant disruptions to workplaces, schools and transport services.