South Africa: Demonstration planned in Sandton (Guateng province) February 28 /update 2

Event

According to US diplomatic sources, a demonstration is set to take place in Sandton (Guateng province) on Friday, February 28, to protest Eskom's selective power cuts. The demonstration will take place from 09:00 to 15:00 (local time), as protesters march from Innesfree Park to Megawatt Park in Sunninghill. Roads including Katherine street, Grayston drive, Rivonia road, and Witkoppen road may be impacted by the march.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the demonstration. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Residents in Sandton, Soweto, and other neighborhoods are accusing Eskom of unfairly shutting off electricity to poorer areas due to non-payment. The group is demanding that the utility company explain how it has calculated the debt owed by residents in Soweto.

Advice

Individuals in Sandton are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, allow additional time to travel, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.