South Africa: Union members to embark on a national day of action nationwide on July 6; several protests planned

Event

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has announced a 'national day of action' on July 6 with various protests planned throughout the day. Their list of demands includes but is not limited to increasing the national social grant, demanding salary payments in certain municipalities, allowing municipal workers to hold political party office, and saving the failing state-run Post Office. COSATU has announced the following protest locations:

• Allanridge (Free State): March from Nyakallong Township entrance to Harmony’s Target Mine Shaft from 09:00.

• Cape Town (Western Cape): March from Hanover Street to the Provincial Legislature and National Parliament buildings from 09:00.

• Durban (KwaZulu-Natal): March from King Dinuzulu Park to Durban City Hall from around 10:00.

• Gqeberha (Eastern Cape): Gather at 09:30 and then march from Nangoza Jebe Hall to Vuyisile Mini Square.

• Hazyview (Mpumalanga): Gathering at Kipersol from 10:00.

• Johannesburg (Gauteng): Meeting in front of COSATU House from 09:00.

• Kimberley (Northern Cape): Gathering at Kemo parking space from 08:30 before marching to Metlife Towers Building.

• Kuruman (Northern Cape): Gathering at the ABSA parking area from 08:30 before marching to the JTG District Municipality office located along Federale Street.

• Klerksdorp (North West): Gather at 10:00 and then march from Medipark medical center to the Department of Labour.

• Mahikeng (North West): Gather at 10:00 before marching from Montshiwa Stadium to the Provincial legislature.

• Polokwane (Limpopo): Gathering at Polokwane Hospital Park from 08:30.

• Rustenberg (North West): Gather at 10:00 and then march from the central taxi rank to the Municipal Building.

Times are subject to adjustment. Protesters could gather earlier or later during the morning on July 6.

Localized disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the protest routes. Increased security is likely. Some localized road travel delays are possible in the vicinity. Employee absenteeism should not significantly impact governmental agencies, and essential services will likely function unhindered. Additional gatherings are possible along major routes, near government buildings, and in city and town centers. Violence is not anticipated, but low-level scuffles are possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or engage in acts of public violence.

Context

COSATU is South Africa's largest trade union federation, numbering approximately 1.5 million members. Trade union members include the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU), the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, the South African Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU), the South African Emergency Personnel's Union (SAEPU), the Public and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (PAWUSA), the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (NUPSAW), the South African Emergency Personnel's Union (SAEPU), the South African Policing Union (SAPU) and the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa (DENOSA).

Advice

Plan for public service and localized travel disruptions. Reconfirm business meetings with government agencies. Avoid all demonstrations. Allow additional time to reach destinations near protests. If violence occurs, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.