Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane says that there are other ways to deal with the crisis that sparked the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF’s) protest that is calling for an end to loadshedding and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s resignation.

She was speaking at a roadblock on the N4 to monitor the protest and assess the safety of the community.

"There are processes into ousting someone, such as expressing it through the ballot paper when such time comes. Right now, the mission is to ensure that there is peace in this country and this is not how to go about it," Mtsweni-Tsipane said.

On Monday, the EFF embarked on its national shutdown. At least 87 people had been arrested for public violence.

"If businesses are closed and there is no alternative measure to keep it open, then we have lost out. However, we all know that when a public holiday is on Tuesday, people like to automatically stay home on a Monday before that," Mtsweni-Tsipane said.

She urged the private sector not to shy away from business with the province owing to the national shutdown.

"We want to assure that private sector assets and commodities are in a safe place as they are being protected," she said.