South Africa: Union members to protest nationwide near several stores from April 5 and at US Embassy in Pretoria on April 5

Event

Members of the South African Commercial Catering and Allied Workers Union (SACCAWU), a part of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), have announced they will be protesting outside several stores nationwide from April 5. The affected franchises include Makro, Builders Warehouse, Game, Mass Discounters, and Jumbo Cash and Carry. They will also march from the Union Buildings to the US embassy in Pretoria on April 5 to deliver a memorandum of demands. SACCAWU members had been on strike from March 24-April 2, which caused minimal disruptions near stores.

Localized disruptions are possible near stores and near malls housing the affected stores, as well as near the US Embassy. Increased security is likely. Some localized road travel delays are possible in the vicinity. Violence is not anticipated, but low-level scuffles are possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or engage in acts of public violence.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a standard precaution. Plan for some road travel delays and increased security measures near the embassy on April 5 and affected store locations. Heed the instructions of local security personnel.