South Africa: Civil unrest likely to persist in Plettenberg Bay through mid-June

Event

Service delivery protests are likely to persist in Plettenberg Bay through mid-June. Residents of a local informal settlement, Qolweni, have been demonstrating against a lack of adequate housing since June 14. Authorities have closed the N2 highway on several occasions, most recently the morning of June 17. Security forces have deployed to the impacted locations.

Authorities are likely to maintain a presence at the impact site until the unrest subsides. Officials may seek to disperse or clear demonstrators or roadblocks, which could trigger clashes. The unrest is likely to result in further ground travel and public transport disruptions in the coming days. Disruptions to freight transport and business operations are possible.

Context

Service delivery protests are common in South Africa, particularly in informal settlements near or adjoining urban centers. Protests are regularly triggered by socio-economic issues, such as unemployment, lack of access to land, and lack of housing or are in opposition to perceived or actual lack of service delivery, including but not limited to the provision of electricity and water, and municipal or national-level corruption among state officials. Protesters will regularly block major and secondary routes with debris during busy rush hour periods (early morning or evening); however, blockages, particularly to national highways are usually cleared shortly after the start of the event. Some protests can last for several hours; even if a protest ends, it can resume in the coming days if demands are not met. Significant violence is rare, with officials generally engaged in negotiations to end unrest.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Consider alternative routes around the impact area. Plan for disruptions to both general travel and the transport of freight. Reconfirm the status of the route in the coming days. Heed the directives of the local authorities and monitor local media for updates. Reconfirm all public transport services that operate in or through the area.