South Africa: Education activists plan protest in Johannesburg October 9 /update 1

Event

Activists calling for free education have scheduled a protest in Johannesburg on Wednesday, October 9, to demand the release of fellow activist Kanya Cekeshe. Participants plan to gather at 09:00 (local time) at Jorisson street before heading to the Central Magistrates Court in the central business district.

A heightened security presence and localized transport disruptions are expected around the protest site.

Context

Kanya Cekeshe has been jailed since December 2017, following charges of public violence during the student-led #feesmustfall protests, which began in 2015.

A related protest was held on October 1 outside the Johannesburg High Court, causing localized transportation disruption.

Advice

Individuals in Johannesburg are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and public gatherings, anticipate transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence around the conference site, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.