South Africa: Freight union calls for protest march in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Dec.15

Event

The South Africa National Cargo Transport Drivers Association (SANCATDRA) and the All Truck Drivers Foundation (ATDF) have called on its members and supporters to gather for a protest march to the National Bargaining Council of the Road Freight and Logistics Industries (NBCRFLI) in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, at 0900 Dec. 15. The start point for the march is unclear; participants will likely gather at various points in Johannesburg and converge on the NBCRFLI building for the demonstration.

The organizations have listed various reasons for the march, including its opposition to the alleged prevalence of foreign nationals in the trucking industry and to demand that labor brokers in the road freight industry be abolished. Hundreds of people will likely participate.

Security forces will likely deploy to monitor the demonstration and prevent any unrest. Localized transport disruptions are likely along the march route and secondary roads in Braamfontein and other parts of downtown Johannesburg Dec. 15. Striking drivers might also take part in go-slow protests, in which they deliberately drive at slow speeds on roads to NBCRFLI, or use their vehicles to create roadblocks in Braamfontein and other parts of downtown Johannesburg, which would create significant traffic congestion.

While the action will probably pass peacefully, clashes between police and protesters remain possible if protesters ignore police orders to disperse. Mass arrests may occur if authorities deem the action to violate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates on the planned protest action. If possible, avoid the protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Check local traffic conditions for disruptions, and allow extra time to reach destinations in and around downtown Johannesburg Dec. 15.