As the unemployment rate in South Africa continues to rise, with 63.9% for those aged 15-24 and 42.1% for those aged 25-34, the country’s workforce is increasingly at risk of retrenchment due to the ongoing power crisis.

To bring attention to this dire situation, South Africans have begun organizing protests under the hashtag #NationalShutdown. These protests, which have been taking place across the country, are aimed at highlighting the devastating impact that load shedding is having on the economy and the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.

The protests have been met with a mixed response, with some praising the demonstrators for bringing attention to the crisis and others criticizing them for disrupting essential services and causing economic damage.

Regardless of one’s stance on the protests, it’s clear that something needs to be done to address the root causes of the load shedding crisis and the resulting economic devastation. The government must take swift action to address the underlying issues and provide support for those who have been affected by the crisis.

As citizens, we all have a role to play in supporting our communities and pushing for change. Whether through joining the protests, writing to our representatives, or volunteering our time and resources, it’s important that we all do our part to help bring an end to this crisis and support those who have been impacted by it.

The unemployment rate, which has reached a record high, is a ticking time bomb. The government must act fast to mitigate the devastating effects of load shedding on the economy, and the livelihoods of citizens.

The #NationalShutdown protests are a sign that people have had enough, and something needs to be done to restore electricity supply, and save jobs.