South Africa: Trade union federation calls for strike and protest in Cape Town Aug. 4

Event

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called on its members to strike and demonstrate in Cape Town Aug. 4 to protest rising fuel prices and insecurity. Participants will gather from 08:00 at Hanover Street and march towards the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and the Cape Town Civic Centre. Other unions, civil society groups, and political parties may join the action; the South African Communist Party (SACP) intends to participate. The event will likely draw hundreds to law thousands of participants.

Business disruptions due to employee participation in the strike are possible. Security forces will almost certainly deploy along the march route. Short-term, localized ground travel delays are likely near all protest sites. Clashes with security forces are possible if protesters engage in acts of public violence.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. Plan for road travel delays and business disruptions Aug. 4. Heed the directives of the local authorities.