24 Apr 2024 | 09:50 AM UTC
South Africa: Ongoing service delivery protest near Cape Town, April 24
Security services responding to service delivery protest along R310 near Cape Town, South Africa, April 24. Avoid area.
A service delivery protest has reportedly led to the closure of the R310, Baden Powell Drive, Cape Town, April 24. Protesters are likely residents of the nearby lower-income area of Khayelitsha. The precise motive for the protest is unclear. This is the third such protest in recent weeks, following similar events on March 22 and 29.
Heightened security is likely in the affected area over the coming hours. Associated transport disruptions are possible, especially along the nearby N2 highway. Further service delivery protests remain possible in the coming days. Clashes between protesters and the police may occur if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse or engage in acts of public violence.
Avoid all protests, and do not drive through roadblocks. Heed the directives of the local authorities and monitor local media for updates as protests will likely occur on short notice. Consider alternative routes around the impact areas. Plan for disruptions to both general travel and the transport of freight. Reconfirm the status of routes in the hours preceding travel. Reconfirm all public transport services that operate in or through the affected areas.
Service delivery protests are common in South Africa and could increase over the coming weeks. South Africa will hold its general election May 29 amid rolling power cuts, localized water shortages, and a lack of service delivery from authorities. In addition, socio-economic issues in certain lower-income areas - added to higher levels of violent crime, carjacking, sexual assaults, kidnapping, and murder - have driven residents to frequent protests, often involving road blockages.
Baden Powell Drive is a notable protest hotspot in Cape Town due to its strategic importance as a commuting route between the suburbs and the CBD, which goes through lower-income areas. Nationwide, protesters recurrently block primary and secondary routes with debris during busy rush hour periods (early morning or evening). Roadblocks, particularly to national highways (such as the N1/2/3/4/5/6/7), are usually cleared shortly after the start of the event. Acts of arson are rare but can occur. Some protests can last for several hours.
