South Africa: Opposition party plan to protest in Cape Town, Oct. 2

Event

The opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), plan to stage a province-wide "shutdown" in the Western Cape Province, Oct. 2. As part of the action, the EFF plans to stage a protest at the Ndabeni municipal complex in eastern Cape Town from 09:00. The action is against the perceived aggressive impounding of minibus taxis by the Western Cape's government, amongst other issues. SANTACO, the taxi industry's largest trade union, has distanced itself from the action and assured that services will operate as normal. Participation remains unclear.

Province-wide observance of the shutdown is unlikely and may be limited to the protest in Ndabeni. Authorities have announced plans to deploy heightened security near the protest site and elsewhere if other protests materialize. The action may spread to nearby highways, including the M5, prompting localized traffic disruptions and delays. Widespread violence is unlikely, though minor scuffles between protesters and security services are possible.

Advice

Exercise caution if traveling in Cape Town Oct. 2. Allow additional time to reach destinations near protest sites. Heed the directives of local security officials.