South Africa: Cape Town protest standoff ends November 21

Event

Cape Town police arrested five protest leaders on Wednesday, November 21, ending a standoff at the MyCiti civic center amid violent protests. Labor protests by MyCiti bus workers in Cape Town culminated in protesters locking themselves in the civic center, the focal point of the unrest. Protesters outside the building threw stones at security personnel who, in turn, fired tear gas and stun grenades to clear the building and detained five people. Following the arrests and subsequent release of the protesters inside the building, many protesters dispersed. While tensions have subsided, further protests are possible in the coming days.

Context

MyCiti workers began a strike on October 15 due to labor disputes.

Advice

Individuals in Cape Town are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate localized transportation disruptions, bus service interruptions, and a heightened security presence.