South Africa: Activists to protest and march against load shedding in Pretoria Jan. 20

Event

Activists plan to protest and march in central Pretoria, Gauteng province Jan. 20. Protesters will gather from 08:30 at Church Square before marching to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) offices on Madiba Street and then to Union Buildings, Arcadia. The purpose of the action is to denounce ongoing load shedding and the recent increase in the price of electricity. Authorities are currently implementing high stages of load shedding, amounting to between six- and ten-hour power cuts. Police have announced temporary road closures on several streets, including Paul Kruger Street, Madiba Street, Thabo Sehume Street, Lilian Ngoyi Street, Sisulu Street, and Du Toit Street, and asked commuters to take alternative routes.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are almost certain in central Pretoria Jan. 20. Associated road closures will likely prompt an increase in traffic congestion. While clashes are unlikely, they remain possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or ignore police orders to disperse.

Advice

Exercise caution if traveling near the affected area Jan. 20. Allow additional time to reach destinations or consider utilizing alternative routes. Heed the directives of local security officials.