Ramaphosa Must Go’: South Africans Rally in National Shutdown Against the President

South Africans took to the streets on a massive scale, chanting “Ramaphosa Must Go” as part of a coordinated National Shutdown demanding the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa. The protests were ignited by a controversial policy granting Nigerians visa-free entry into the country, a decision that has fueled public outrage and dominated social media discussions.

The policy, seen by many as a betrayal of South African interests, was announced just days before the demonstrations. It marked a significant diplomatic gesture aimed at strengthening ties with Nigeria but was met with widespread backlash. Protesters argue that the move overlooks domestic challenges, including unemployment and strained public services, which they feel should take precedence over foreign relations.

Social Media Sparks Outrage
The National Shutdown gained momentum on platforms like Twitter, where hashtags like #RamaphosaMustGo and #NationalShutdown trended for days. Many South Africans expressed frustration with what they perceived as President Ramaphosa prioritizing international relations over the needs of his citizens.

One Twitter user wrote, “Across South Africa and to every South African citizen, this is not your president but he’s pretending to be. Originally he’s Nigeria’s president, and we demand his resignation #NationalShutdown.”

Another user voiced their discontent with the lack of tangible action following previous protests: “I genuinely want this National Shutdown to happen coz I am really sick and tired of it always trending with no effective change.”

The online buzz quickly translated into real-world action, with demonstrations erupting in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Roads were blocked, businesses closed, and thousands gathered to demand accountability and leadership change.

A Polarizing Policy
President Ramaphosa’s visa-free policy for Nigerians has been a contentious issue. Supporters argue that it could boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations. However, critics see it as an ill-timed and poorly communicated decision that exacerbates existing tensions within South Africa, where xenophobia and economic concerns are already pressing issues.

Protesters claim that the policy disregards their struggles with unemployment, crime, and limited access to essential resources. Some fear it could worsen competition for jobs and housing in a country where many citizens feel neglected by the government.

Protesters Demand Action
The demonstrations reflect a deeper dissatisfaction with Ramaphosa’s presidency, which has faced criticism over corruption scandals, power shortages, and economic stagnation. For many South Africans, the visa-free policy was the last straw in a series of perceived failures by the administration.

Protesters carried placards reading, “We want jobs, not Nigerians” and “Ramaphosa, resign now!” The National Shutdown, which has paralyzed parts of the country, is a clear indication of the growing frustration among citizens.

Speaking at one of the protests in Pretoria, community leader Sipho Maseko stated, “This is not just about the visa policy; it’s about a president who has consistently put his people last. We are tired of being ignored.”

Government Response
The South African government has yet to release an official statement addressing the protests, but sources close to the presidency suggest that Ramaphosa is monitoring the situation closely. Some analysts believe that the protests could lead to a reevaluation of the visa policy or even broader concessions to appease the public.

Political commentator Zandile Ndlovu remarked, “The protests highlight a growing disconnect between the government and its people. Ramaphosa will need to address these grievances head-on if he wants to maintain his leadership.”

What’s Next?
As the protests continue to gain traction, the future of Ramaphosa’s presidency remains uncertain. The National Shutdown has united citizens across political and social divides, signaling a powerful call for change.

Whether this movement will lead to tangible outcomes or become another moment of fleeting outrage remains to be seen. For now, South Africans have made one thing clear: their patience is running out, and their voices will not be silenced.