On Monday, the city of Durban appeared to be operating normally, with buses and taxis running, and people going to work. However, security measures were in place, including a heavy police presence and private security. In the township that was mentioned by EFF leader Julius Malema as a potential target for protests, there were no reported incidents.

Meanwhile, police were responding to protest action on the R74 in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The economic hub of Durban was said to be the focus of the shutdown protests, but the TimesLIVE team observed a roadblock at the entrance to Richards Bay and a police presence on the N2 near King Shaka International Airport. Early on Monday, there were reports of burning debris in Isipingo and Cornubia, but the police and private security responded quickly.

It’s business as usual in the Durban CBD as people are going about their day amid the EFF’s national shutdown today. There is either SAPS, metro or private security vehicle parked in almost every corner. This is a situation also in many areas around Durban. @TimesLIVE