South Africa: Increased security and road closures in Cape Town ahead of State of the Nation Address, through Feb. 8

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. 8. President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver his speech before members of parliament at 19:00, Feb. 8.

The following roads are closed at different stages 05:00-23:59 Feb. 5-8:

• Darling Street between Buitenkant and Tenant Street

• Corporation Street between Caledon Street and Darling Street

• Longmarket Street between Plein Street and Buitenkant Street

• Parade Street between Caledon Street and Darling Street

• Commercial Street: between Plein and Buitenkant Street becomes bi-directional

• Roeland Street : between Buitenkant and Brandweer Street

• Buitenkant Street: between Roeland and Darling Street

• Darling street between Buitenkant and Tenant street

The following roads will also be closed 17:45-19:30 Feb. 8:

• 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 Main Road (M4) to Philip Kgosana Drive (M3)

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

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

• Princess Anne Avenue: Newlands Ave to Union Avenue

• Newlands Avenue: Dean Street to Princess Anne Avenue

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

Sir Lowry Road between Tenant Street and Darling Street will be closed 15:00-23:59 Feb. 8. Further smaller road closures around City Hall are scheduled through Feb. 15.

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.