06 Oct 2022 | 10:46 PM UTC
South Africa: COSATU calls for nationwide protests Oct. 7
COSATU calls for nationwide protests Oct. 7; transport disruptions likely.
Event
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called on its members to participate in a nationwide protest to mark the International Day for Decent Work Oct. 7. The purpose of the action is to demand that employers and policymakers respect labor laws and to denounce the alleged capitalist crisis, among other things. Thousands are likely to participate in the events. Significant participation is likely in Bloemfontein, Free State province, Cape Town, Western Cape province, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province, and Johannesburg, Gauteng province. Related demonstrations are also planned in various cities across South Africa.
Organizers have announced the following location details:
Bloemfontein, Free State province: Meet at Batho Community hall at 08:00 before marching to SAPS provincial office or Tambo Premier's Office Waterfront Mall.
Cape Town, Western Cape province: Rally at Hanover Street at 08:30 before marching to the parliament building.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province: Gathering at King DinuZulu Park at 08:00 and march to Emtateni (Harbor).
Johannesburg, Gauteng province: Gathering at COSATU House at 09:00 before marching to Eskom Building and Game.
Additional gatherings could occur in sports stadiums, community halls, and fields. Security forces will almost certainly deploy to monitor gatherings prompting localized transport disruptions. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Advice
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Plan for localized ground travel disruptions near rally venues. Heed the instructions of local security forces. Should any confrontations occur, immediately depart the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.
