South Africa: Municipal Workers' Union members protesting, blocking streets in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Nov. 11.

Event

Members of the South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) are protesting in Braamfontein, near the Johannesburg central business district, Nov. 11. They are demanding a salary increase from the city mayor. Reports suggest several roads around the Johannesburg City Council municipal building have been blockaded. Negotiations between authorities and protesting union members are ongoing. This follows protest action on Nov. 10 where SAMWU protestors blockaded the M1 highway in Johannesburg.

Additional police are deployed to monitor the action. The protest and related security measures are creating significant transport disruptions in the surrounding area. Police could resort to forceful methods to disperse protest. Violence between police and protestors cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Do not attempt to pass through any roadblocks. Check for transport disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time for travel in affected areas.