20 Jan 2023 | 10:05 AM UTC
South Africa: Opposition party to march against load shedding in Johannesburg, Jan. 25
Opposition party to march from Mary Fitzgerald Square to Luthuli House, Johannesburg, South Africa, from 09:30 Jan. 25. Disruptions likely.
Event
The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) will lead a protest march from Mary Fitzgerald Square to the ruling African National Congress (ANC) headquarters, Luthuli House, in Johannesburg from 09:30 Jan. 25. The action is to protest the ongoing energy crisis and the recently-approved increase in the price price of electricity.
Other protest locations could be announced in the coming days. Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely in central Johannesburg Jan. 25. Officials may close some roads to accommodate the protests. Counterprotests by ANC members are possible. While clashes are unlikely, they remain possible if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse.
Context
Authorities are currently implementing high stages of load shedding, amounting to between six- and ten-hour power cuts daily.
Advice
Exercise caution in central Johannesburg Jan. 25. Avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Heed the directives of local security officials.
