11 Feb 2021 | 12:15 PM UTC
South Africa: State of the Nation Address to occur in Cape Town Feb. 11
State of the Nation Address to occur in Cape Town, South Africa, Feb. 11. Increased security and road closures; protests possible.
Event
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Parliament of South Africa in central Cape Town, 1900 Feb. 11. Due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions under level 3, authorities will limit the number of participants in the National Assembly Chamber to 50. All other members of parliament and other dignitaries will access the event via a virtual platform.
Authorities will deploy additional security personnel and implement road travel restrictions on the SONA day. Road closures will be particularly extensive and disruptive during the evening of Feb. 11, when officials will temporarily close parts of the N2 and M3 near the city. Motorists entering Cape Town during this time have been advised to use alternative routes to the city.
The following routes along the N2 and M3 will be closed:
1745-1930 for 35 minutes: M3 (Union Avenue, Rhodes Drive, Philip Kgosana Drive) inbound, Woolsack Drive westbound and inbound, Klipper Road, Princess Anne Avenue, Newlands Avenue, and Dean Street westbound.
1745-1930 for 35 minutes: N2 inbound (Settlers Way, Nelson Mandela Boulevard).
Roads in the vicinity of Parliament in central Cape Town will be closed 0600-2345 Feb. 11. Parking restrictions in the area of the Parliament will also be in effect Feb. 11. Public transportation services, including Golden Arrow and MyCiti bus services, will also likely be impacted Feb. 11. Travel disruptions are likely, including significant traffic congestion into and out of Cape Town throughout Feb. 11.
Designated demonstration spots have been erected around the vicinity of the SONA event. Increased security is likely in the areas of the Castle of Good Hope and the Hanover Street parking area. Police will also enforce social distancing measures in line with the level-3 COVID-19 regulations. Anti-government groups, opposition political groups, activists, or civil society organizations may use the event as a platform to voice their grievances. Security forces will almost certainly disperse any unsanctioned protests that may materialize.
Advice
Plan for traffic disruptions in central Cape Town Feb. 11. Avoid any demonstrations that materialize. Leave the area immediately and seek shelter in the nearest secure location if any security disturbances occur. Heed the directives of the security forces.
