South Africa: Military veterans organization to protest in Pretoria, Sept. 19

Event

Members of the Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) plan to demonstrate in Pretoria, Sept. 19. The march is being led to demand that the Ministry of Finance takes action against President Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala controversy. Ramaphosa is alleged to have concealed the proceeds of a cattle sale. This large sum of foreign currency was later stolen but was not officially reported to the authorities. Demonstrators will gather at Burgers Park at 10:00 before marching to the National Treasury. The march is scheduled to end at 14:00. Various road routes will be temporarily disrupted in Pretoria Central, including Vissagie Street, Thabo Sehume Street, Paul Kruger Street, Bosman Street, Nana Sita Street, Francis Baard Street, Pretorius Street, WF Nkomo Street, and Madiba Street.

Police officials will deploy to monitor and manage the crowd. Road travel disruptions are highly likely. Clashes between demonstrators and police are possible if protesters engage in acts of public violence. There is an incidental threat to bystanders should any violence occur.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a standard precaution and to mitigate likely ground travel delays. Plan for road travel delays in and near the protest area. Heed instructions from the security forces. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a non-government building.