South Africa: Protestors reportedly blocking N2 highway near Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal Province, Feb. 10

Event

Protestors are reportedly blocking the N2 highway near Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal Province, Feb. 10. The reason for the protest is unclear. However, it is possibly in reaction to the increasing passage of heavy cargo trucks in the area, and following a reported accident in which a truck left the road and crashed into a house early Feb. 10. There are no reported injuries.

Protests will likely cause significant transport disruptions along the N2 and tributary roads in the coming hours. Officials are likely to deploy to and attempt to remove roadblocks. Clashes with protesters could occur. Opportunistic looters could target stationary vehicles, including both private and cargo transport vehicles. Altercations between demonstrators and drivers are also possible.

Context

Local communities have led protests and threatened to close roads since October 2022 in opposition to an increase in heavy-duty cargo vehicles traveling through northern KwaZulu-Natal. Protesters allege that the increase in traffic has damaged road infrastructure and led to high-profile accidents. The unrest has caused a backlog of vehicles on occasion. There have also been reports of looters targeting transport vehicles.

Advice

Consider avoiding impacted routes along the N2 until the situation stabilizes. Avoid all protests. Do not drive through protester roadblocks until officials have cleared them. Heed the instructions of officials. Reconfirm the status of road routes before departure.