25 Jul 2018 | 07:12 AM UTC
South Africa: Anti-BRICS protests planned in Johannesburg July 25-27 /update 1
Multiple protests planned in Johannesburg during 10th BRICS summit July 25-27; heightened security measures and traffic disruptions expected
Event
Various civil groups are planning multiple demonstrations during the 10th BRICS summit in the Sandton area of Johannesburg between Wednesday, July 25, and Friday, July 27. The Earthlife Africa group will hold a protest on Daisy Street from 10:00-12:00 (local time) on Wednesday. An anti-BRICS group is expected to carry out a demonstration between Rivonia Road and 5th Street and Maude Street and 5th Street from 09:30-13:00 the following day. Another organization will rally on Fredman Drive and West Street from 11:00-14:00. On July 27, the same group will protest from 10:00 until 17:00 on Fredman Drive and 5th Street. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all protest sites.
Context
The 10th annual BRICS summit, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sandton Convention Centre. Several high-profile delegates are expected to attend the summit including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian President Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Brazilian President Michel Temer. BRICS, made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, focuses on global governance and common economic development. South Africa holds the 2018 BRICS presidency.
Advice
Individuals in Johannesburg are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, anticipate heightened security throughout the city during the July 25-27 summit, to allow for additional travel time, and to confirm travel reservations.
