which interdicted the EFF from"violating the rights of South Africans to work school, and trade, by any means of intimidation, violence, or coercion, on the party's planned national shutdown". Preparation by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure saw efforts to heighten police visibility in response.as participation would cost the U.S.$3.2 billion industry a loss of industry of over U.S.$8.1 million for one day.
In the days leading up to the action, EFF leader Julius Malema said that only President Cyril Ramaphosa's resignation could prevent the planned national shutdown. The opposition party voiced its intention to mobilise hundreds of its members, along with citizens, in their demand for an end to load shedding. The EFF called on businesses and factories across the country to close on the day of the action in order to"avoid the looting".