South Africa: Democratic Alliance calls for march in Pretoria March 29

Event

The opposition Democratic Alliance party has called for a National Day of Action across the country and an associated march in Pretoria (Gauteng province) on Friday, March 29, to protest the ongoing electricity crisis and the planned electricity price increase of at least 9.41 percent beginning April 1. In Pretoria, demonstrators are expected to gather at Caledonian Stadium, Tshwane (Gauteng province) and march to the Union Buildings at 10:00 (local time).

Heightened tensions and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated over the coming days.

Context

Eskom is a South African electricity public utility that has struggled with power supply issues to meet increasing electricity demands, leading to organized power cuts known as "load shedding" to avoid a total electrical blackout. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has announced upcoming electricity price increases for the next three years. The Democratic Alliance has called for the partial privatization of Eskom to increase competition, lower costs, and avert a total grid collapse.

Advice

Individuals in South Africa are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to any instructions by local authorities, and avoid demonstrations as a precaution.