South Africa: Ongoing student protests in Cape Town and Johannesburg March 12

Event

Student-led protests at the University of Cape Town (UCT) are ongoing on campus property and along Main Road towards the Mowbray area March 12. Initial reports have indicated that large crowds have gathered. It is unclear if police have been deployed; however, this will likely occur. UCT runs parallel to the M3 highway, which may be blocked by students should protests escalate. Several students have been arrested in Johannesburg concerning protest involvement; further arrests cannot be discounted for ongoing protests in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Students are protesting in solidarity with recent protests at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, March 8-11.

Similarly, protests in Johannesburg by students of the University of the Witwatersrand are likely to continue March 12. Emerging reports have indicated that several protesters have gathered on the outskirts of the campus in the Braamfontein area. Students continue to protest for free education and justice for a passerby who was allegedly shot when police fired rubber bullets to disperse crowds March 10.

Transport disruptions are likely in the vicinity of all incidents. Violence is also possible, especially if protesters block roads or refuse police orders to disperse.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates on the protests in Cape Town and Johannesburg. 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 the protest area March 12.