The U.S. Mission informs U.S. citizens in South Africa that the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) announced plans to embark upon a national strike on September 27, 2017 over State Capture and corruption. Planned deployments are outlined below.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to monitor local media prior to travel, avoid any reported conflict areas, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Remember that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Always avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests.
| Province | Venue | Activity / Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg | Gather at COSATU House in Braamfontein at 10h00 and march to hand over memorandums to City of Joburg, Department of Labour [DoL], Chamber of Mines, FNB & other Banks and the Premiers Office. |
| KwaZulu Natal | Durban | Gather at DinuZulu (Bothas Park) and march to City Hall to hand over memorandum to the Premier. |
| Eastern Cape | East London | Gather at North End Stadium and march to City Hall where the memorandums will be handed over. |
| Mthatha | Gather at Freedom Square and march to Department of Labour [DoL] to hand over the memorandum. | |
| Queenstown | Gather at Indoor Sports Center and march to Department of Labour [DoL] and Police Station to hand over the memorandum. | |
| Port Elizabeth | Gather at Mangoza Jebe (Centenary Hall) and march to Vuyisile Mini Square to hand over memorandums. | |
| Limpopo | Polokwane | Gather at SABC Park and march to Shoprite, Premiers Office and Anglo Platinum to hand over memorandums. |
| Western Cape | Cape Town | Gather at Keizerkragt and march to PRASA, Provincial Government and National Parliament to hand over memorandums. |
| North West | Mafikeng | Gather at Montshiwa Stadium and march to Legislature to hand over memorandums to Premier, Business Forum and the Chamber of Mines |
|
Mpumalanga
|
Nelspruit | Gather at Nelspruit Showground at 09h00 and march to Government Complex to hand over memorandum to the Premier. |
| Emalahleni | Gather at Lynville stadium at 09h00 and march to ESKOM Park to hand over the memorandum. | |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley | Gather at Kemo Hotel and march to Premiers Office (JB Sauer Building) to hand over memorandums to Premier, DMR, Banking Association and SALGA. |
| Free State | Bloemfontein | Gather at Batho Community Hall and march to Provincial Government (Lebogang Building) to handover memorandum to the Premier. |
The U.S. Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens in Swaziland to be mindful of their surroundings as even peaceful gatherings can quickly become confrontational and escalate into violence. Citizens are advised to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution near gatherings, protests, and demonstrations. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Lesotho.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S Embassy in Swaziland, located at the corner of MR103 and Cultural Centre Drive, Ezulwini, at 268-2417-9000, 7:30-5:00 Monday through Thursday, 7:30-12:30 Fridays. The after-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is 268-7602-8414.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (EST), Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)
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