South Africa: Union confederation plans protest march in Cape Town Feb. 23

Event

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) plans to hold a protest march in Cape Town Feb. 23. Participants will gather at 11:00 and march along Keizersgracht Street (Hanover Street). The protest is primarily scheduled to oppose government budget cuts, among numerous other grievances, ahead of the Budget Speech at the Goodhope Council Chambers at City Hall later that day; the chamber will likely be the endpoint of the march. The protest also coincides with a protest march organized by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) political party, which will occur nearby.

Heightened security and localized business and transport disruptions are likely near City Hall Feb. 23. Officials may close some roads to accommodate the protests. While clashes are unlikely, they remain possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution. Heed the advice of security personnel. Allow additional time to reach destinations Feb. 23. Avoid all protests. Leave the area at the first sign of confrontation.