South Africa: Protests ongoing in Makhanda, Eastern Cape Province June 17

Event

Protests are ongoing in Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape Province, June 17. Members of the Unemployed Peoples Movement are demonstrating against service delivery issues. Protesters have erected roadblocks. Multiple schools and shops have closed due to the disruptions. Water outages are also ongoing in some areas as the protest action has prevented municipal workers from carrying out their duties. Police have deployed to monitor the situation.

Clashes between protesters and the police are possible if demonstrators are unruly or ignore police orders to disperse. Further such protests are possible in the coming days.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a routine precaution and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Allow additional time for travel. Monitor local developments for information possible additional protests.