South Africa: Increased security and road closures in Cape Town ahead of State of the Nation Address, through Feb. 9

Event

Increased security and road closures are planned ahead of president Cyril Ramaphosa's annual State of the Nation address at City Hall in Cape Town, through Feb. 9. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his speech before members of parliament at 19:00, Feb. 9.

The following roads are closed 17:00-20:00 Feb. 6-8:

• Buitenkant from Castle Street to Glynn Street (including all side streets)

• Roeland Street from Buitenkant to Brandweer Street

• Harrington Street between Darling and Roeland Street

• Roeland Street closed up to Hope Street to Brandweer Street

• Parade Street between Caledon and Darling Street

• Caledon Street between Parade and Corporation Street

The following roads will be closed 17:45-20:00 Feb. 9:

• Klipper Road, Newlands: from Main Road (M4) to Newlands Avenue

• Princess Anne Avenue, Newlands: From Newlands Avenue to Union Avenue

• Newlands Avenue, Newlands: from Dean Street to Princess Anne Avenue

• Dean Street, Newlands westbound: from Main Road (M4) to Newlands

• M3, Union Avenue, Rhodes Drive, Philip Kgosana Drive (De Waal Drive)

• Roeland Street, City Bound Carriageway: from Newlands Avenue to City Centre

• Woolsack Drive, Rondebosch, westbound: between Main Road (M4) and Rhodes Drive (M3)

• Anzio Road, Observatory: from MainRoad (M4) to Philip Kgosana Drive (De Waal Drive) (M3)

• N2 Settlers Way City-bound carriageway, from Main Road (M4) to City Centre

• Roeland Street: between Buitenkant and Brandweer Street

• Buitenkant Street: between Roeland and Darling Street

Protests adjacent to City Hall are possible especially ahead of and immediately following the speech.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security in central Cape Town and may try to disperse gatherings if any are reported. Should protests materialize, clashes between protesters and police are possible; police may use force to break up gatherings. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely in the affected area.

Advice

Maintain heightened vigilance in the area. Avoid all gatherings as a precaution. Heed instructions from authorities. If violence breaks out, depart the area immediately.