South Africa: Fuel price protest in Durban August 13

Event

Roughly 100 people participated in a protest in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal province) on Monday, August 13, to demand lower fuel prices. The protesters marched along Lembede Street from King Dinuzulu Park to Durban City Hall. The demonstrators handed a list of demands to government representatives, including the nationalization of South African petroleum companies. The group that organized the protests, People Against Petrol and Paraffin Price Increases (PAPPPI), called for continued protests nationwide until fuel prices are lowered. Further associated protests are possible in Durban and other cities in the near-term. An increased security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of future protests. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Several dozen people attended a peaceful protest in Pretoria organized by the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) on July 31 against high fuel prices. Opposition leaders say government taxes on fuel are unsustainable and have called for a 20 percent tax reduction. 

Advice

Individuals in Durban, and in South Africa more generally, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.