South Africa: Protests reported in Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces April 16 /update 2

Event

Demonstrators rallied in Boksburg (Gauteng province) on Tuesday, April 16, as dozens erected barricades and set fire to tires in an attempt to block traffic. Widespread transportation disruptions were reported at the intersections in the Anderbolt area of Boksburg on Tuesday morning (local time). Security forces reportedly used rubber bullets to disperse the crowds; the number of associated injuries was not immediately released. Additionally, protesters clashed with police in Kwaggafontein (Mpumalanga province) on Tuesday, where at least 38 people were arrested.

Similar demonstrations are possible across South Africa, particularly in the Johannesburg (Gauteng province) and Cape Town (Western Cape province) environs, over the coming hours and days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Context

The latest gatherings come as residents in cities in Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, and Western Cape provinces have staged multiple demonstrations related to poor living conditions, land reforms, and a lack of basic services in recent weeks. Demonstrations have commonly occurred in Alexandra township, Vereeniging, Midrand, and Bekkersdal in Gauteng province; Pennyville township and Lwandle township in Western Cape province; Ga-Sekgopo in Limpopo province; and Kroonstadt in Free State province. At least four people have been killed nationwide.

Protests first broke out on April 3 in Alexandra township as residents rallied to denounce the perceived failures of the Alexandra Renewal Project. The project, launched in 2001, sought to improve service delivery and increase development in the Johannesburg suburb. Residents in several localities across South Africa claim the government has failed to carry out urban renewal projects to alleviate limitations to water distribution and sewage treatment, among other issues. 

South Africa is set to hold a general election on May 8 to elect a new National Assembly and provincial legislatures. 

Advice

Individuals in South Africa are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate traffic disruptions (including due to road closures and increased congestion), avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.