South Africa's opposition leader, Julius Malema, has said that the country's ongoing protests will cease at midnight.

While praising South Africans for turning out in big numbers to participate in the 'National Shutdown' protests, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader stated the rallies were a success, despite reports that people did not turn out as expected.

"Thank you very much to the people of South Africa and the EFF ground forces for a calm yet dynamic EFF National Shutdown. It's only the beginning; let's get out there and join the picket lines. They claimed it was a normal day, but you could tell who was lying. You once again shown to the doomsayers that we are the only discipline force on the left. "The National Shutdown will finish at midnight," he tweeted on Monday morning.

At least 87 individuals were arrested during the protests on Monday morning. The arrests were made in various locations of South Africa, according to police.

"Of the 87 arrested, 41 were arrested in Gauteng, 29 in North West, and 15 in Free State. Arrests have also occurred in other provinces, including Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape. "Police will provide updates when new information becomes available," they said.

Thousands of South Africans went to the streets in "National Shutdown" protests as the country grapples with concerns such as unemployment, power outages, and rampant graft.

Numerous videos published on Twitter early Monday showed demonstrators pouring onto the streets in large numbers, despite allegations that a large majority had arrived as early as 4 a.m.

Protesters urge the country's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, to resign for failing to solve the concerns.

"On the 20th of March, we have to shut down this country to show the whole world that we are concerned about the state of circumstances. "We can't fold our arms," Malema stated in a weekend video message.

Non-essential workers were also instructed to stay at home or join the protests, arguing that this is the beginning of an unstoppable revolution.