‘We are only working for petrol’ – Calls for national shutdown over rising fuel prices

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“As the people of all of South Africa, on Monday, the 19th of October, we are shutting down the country so that this corrupt government can hear us.”

Concerned Citizens of South Africa is calling for a national shutdown on 19 October to pressure the government to reduce fuel prices by cutting taxes and levies.

The movement’s national organiser, Ntokozo Mkhize, said rising fuel costs are putting pressure on households and businesses, with the impact extending beyond motorists to the cost of everyday goods.

“South African people are saying enough is enough.”

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Mkhize argues that the government should review the levies included in fuel prices, questioning why neighbouring countries receiving fuel from South Africa can sell it at lower prices.

He also raised concerns about how revenue collected through these levies is spent.

The government has warned that cutting the fuel levy would leave a significant gap in public finances.

“We have RAF (Road Accident Fund) there, we have general levy, we have all sorts of levies that we are paying. What is confusing us in South Africa is that there are countries, neighbouring countries, that are getting petrol from us, that we are delivering petrol and diesel to them. They are getting petrol at a much lower price than us. We are very confused.

“[The] South African government is taking us for a ride, and it is time now for us to rise and say enough is enough.

“Fuel is the engine of everything that we are doing in this country. Even if you don’t own a car, this will affect you when you go to the grocery store. It will affect you anywhere.”

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Mkhize stressed that the proposed shutdown is a public movement rather than a campaign linked to any political party.

He urged South Africans to support the action, warning that rising fuel costs are making it increasingly difficult for families to cover basic expenses.

“We’ve heard that projections are saying in November that petrol is also going up. Where are we going to get this money? It is clear now that we are only working for petrol. No longer to take care of our families. No longer to look after our dependents.”

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