South Africa: ANC to hold its elective conference at the Johannesburg Expo Center in Johannesburg, Dec. 16-20

Event

Heightened security is likely ahead of and during the African National Congress (ANC) elective conference at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, Johannesburg, Dec. 16-20. ANC delegates will be electing the party’s leadership and the 2024 presidential candidate. President Cyril Ramaphosa is standing for a second successive term. Protests for or against candidates at the site or at the party's headquarters at Luthuli House are likely.

Officials could close roads near the site to facilitate the movement of delegates. Security measures could result in localized disruptions. Should any protests occur, significant violence is unlikely; however, disruptions to road travel or the event are possible.

Context

The ANC’s nomination period came to a close Nov. 6, with the current president and party leader Ramaphosa and former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize the likely frontrunners for the ANC presidency. This will be the second time Ramaphosa and Mkhize, both ANC veterans, have run against each other after competing for the nomination in 2017. Factions within the ANC have been deeply split over the nomination. The process has been plagued by in-fighting with related cases going to court in the Free State and North West provinces.

Advice

Exercise caution near the gathering area and Luthuli House Dec. 16-20. Heed the instructions of local officials. Avoid all protests. Plan for localized ground travel delays.