DESPITE many describing the national shutdown on Monday as a success, more than 500 people were arrested for various criminal activities.
The day, organised by the EFF and joined by other formations, including the PAC, APC, Land Party, ATM, Areta and Saftu, was led by the Red Berets.
Demonstrations were held in several cities, with thousands calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down and for an end to load shedding.
Although there was minimal violence in some parts of the country, especially in the Pretoria CBD, the economy took a knock, with about 90% of businesses closing, some for fear that their shops would be looted. In some areas, it was business as usual, while others were ghost towns.
The protesters accused Ramaphosa of failing to govern the country…