According to restaurant owners Jamandi Bekker and Petri Coertzen, the protest was issued by the Restaurant Association of South Africa. 

Eateries and other establishments had planned to occupy one of the Free State Capital’s so-called restaurant streets, Second Avenue, by 'locking down' the road with their tables and chairs. However, they have been instructed by police to not occupy the street – which houses a number of restaurants.  

This has not deterred them, however, and Bekker tells OFM News over 15 restaurants are expected to come together tomorrow where they will move the protest to the pavements.

Bekker says that the nationwide protests are avoidable and if the government can come up with a solution, many livelihoods would be spared.  

She adds the protest will be law abiding, will not obstruct any traffic and will follow strict Covid-19 protocols.

OFM News