South Africa: COSATU calls for demonstration at Union Buildings in downtown Pretoria (Tshwane), Dec. 4

Event

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has called on its members to demonstrate at the Union Buildings in Tshwane (Pretoria) at 0900 Dec. 4. The action is being held to demand the government respond to various labor demands by the union.

COSATU is a trade union with a national membership of approximately 1.8 million; as such, the protest will likely be well attended. The protest action will reportedly receive support from members of the South African Communist Party (SACP). Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the event and prevent any unrest. Although violence is unlikely, mass arrests could occur if authorities consider the protests to violate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions. Localized traffic disruptions are possible along roads in the vicinity of the Union Buildings.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates on the planned protest action. If possible, avoid the protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Check local traffic conditions for disruptions and allow extra time to reach destinations in and around central Pretoria.