01 Nov 2017 | 09:27 PM UTC
South Africa: Economic Freedom Fighters march in Pretoria Nov. 2
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to march in Pretoria against establishment figures and Israeli actions in the Palestinian Territories on November 2
Event
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by ex-African National Congress (ANC) youth leader Julius Malema, is expected to hold a march in Pretoria, Gauteng, on Thursday, November 2. EFF is calling for free higher education beginning in 2018, the resignation of President Jacob Zuma, the expatriation of the wealthy Gupta business family, and the resignation of National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams. In addition, the group will march against Israeli actions in the Palestinian Territories.
Officials have granted EFF a permit for 2000 people to march on Thursday. The march will begin around 06:00 (local time) and is authorized to continue until 17:00. The route will begin at Church Square, and will proceed down Paul Kruger Street, Francis Baard Street, Jan Shoba Street, Lynnwood Road, and Rosemary Road until reaching the Israeli Embassy at Kings Highway.
Authorities anticipate severe traffic disruptions in Pretoria’s Central Business District as well as the Hatfield neighborhood. An increased security presence is likely, and violent clashes between protesters and security personnel cannot be ruled out.
Context
EFF was founded by ex-ANC youth leader Julius Malema in 2013. It is the third-largest party in parliament, having received 6.35 percent of the vote in 2014. The party is considered revolutionary socialist in nature and calls for expropriation of land held by non-indigenous South Africans.
Advice
Individuals present in Pretoria are advised to avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and to anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of the march.
On a separate note, individuals in the country - particularly in urban areas - are advised to be on guard against high levels of criminal activity and to maintain a low profile at all times. Be particularly vigilant after dusk and avoid traveling on foot after nightfall. Criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye. Drive with windows closed, doors locked, and all personal possessions hidden from sight.
