South Africa: Increased security and road disruptions likely in Cape Town through July 26 amid the first parliament sitting

Increased security is likely, and road closures are planned in central Cape Town through July 26 amid the first parliament sitting. Additionally, President Ramaphosa is scheduled to speak at City Hall on July 18. Authorities have confirmed that road closures will disrupt transportation throughout the city center.

The following roads are closed at different stages 00:00-23:59 through July 26:

• Darling Street between Plein Street and Buitenkant Street (and between Buitenkant and Tenant Street through July 18)

• Corporation Street between Caledon Street and Darling Street

• Longmarket Street between Plein Street and Buitenkant Street

• Parade Street between Caledon Street and Darling Street

• Buitenkant Street between Roeland and Darling Street

The following roads will be closed at different stages between 04:00-23:45 on July 18:

• Plein Street between Roeland Street and Darling Street

• Commercial Street between Nieuwmeester Parking and Plein Street

• Roeland Street between Buitenkant and Brandweer Street

• M3, Union Avenue, Rhodes Drive, Philip Kgosana Drive (De Waal Drive), Roeland Street, City Bound Carriageway, between Newlands Avenue and the City Centre

The following roads will be closed 16:45-18:30 July 18:

• Woolsack Drive, Rondebosch, westbound between Main Road (M4) and Rhodes Drive (M3)

• Anzio Road, Observatory: from Main Rd (M4) to Philip Kgosana Drive (M3)

• N2 Settlers Way City-bound carriageway, between Main Road (M4) and City Centre

• Klipper Road between Main Road (M4) and Newlands Avenue

• Princess Anne Avenue between Newlands Avenue and Union Avenue

• Newlands Avenue between Dean Street and Princess Anne Avenue

• Dean Street westbound between Main Road (M4) and Newlands Avenue

Protests adjacent to City Hall, the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC), and in the Parliament district are possible through July 26, especially ahead of, during, and immediately after the president's July 18 speech.

Heightened security measures, including checkpoints, vehicle checks, and increased security personnel, are expected near the venue. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely in the affected area. Authorities will likely disperse gatherings if any are reported. Should protests materialize, clashes between protesters and police are possible; police may use force to break up gatherings.