Shutdown protestors hit roadblock in Durban

The group came from Sandile Thusi Road after resuming their march at North Beach, where they had taken a break.

They wanted to continue in Florida Road, but metro police and police blocked it off at Ninth Avenue, telling the march's leaders they cannot advance on the road past that point.

Police have suggested they turn into the avenue and continue with their protest, but the party's secretary-general Marshall Dlamini said the officers and their vehicles must move so they can get through.

Meanwhile, political analyst Levy Ndou says the EFF-led national shutdown cannot be labelled a flop - as the party is raising legitimate concerns around load shedding and the presidency of Cyril Ramaphosa.

READ: EFF says beefed-up police and army patrols ‘no deterrent’

The protests - taking place across the country - are demanding an end to load shedding and Ramaphosa's resignation.

Ndou says South Africans had the choice to join the shutdown or just go about their business.

He says the act of protesting is not inherently a negative thing.

"Protests should not always be seen in a negative light. They are an instrument that would assist government to do things in a manner that is expected by ordinary citizens."

Meanwhile, Crime-fighting organisations in the Inanda, Ntuzuma and Kwamashu say there have been no reported incidents in their areas.

The shutdown had led to some anxiety in some communities - still scarred by the riots in July 2021.

eThekwini Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Andile Jali says they have deployed members to different parts.

"So far, there are no protests because we have received reports from all members. We are working together with Metro to make sure our communities are safe. As much as we understand it is a legal strike we want to ensue, there is no looting again. Nothing has gone since yesterday."