Mandela Day protest storm — Cyril under siege in the capital

Johannesburg

Pretoria – Parts of the City of Tshwane are expected to face major traffic disruptions on Friday, Mandela Day, as two separate protest marches are set to take place in the capital.

The first march, led by members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party from Gauteng, will see demonstrators gather at Church Square in Pretoria Central from 10am.

Protesters are demanding the arrest of individuals implicated in alleged political interference within the police service, as revealed by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Mkhwanazi recently accused senior figures, including Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, of meddling in police operations.

The MK march will proceed along Paul Kruger Street, turn onto Francis Baard and Park Streets, and end at the Maupa Naga Building in Sunnyside. The group is expected to disperse by 2pm.

The second protest, organised by Defend South Africa in partnership with the United Civic Movements, will also commence at 10am, starting from the Old Putco Depot in Marabastad. Protesters are calling for the resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing a range of grievances including rising costs of living, unemployment, illegal immigration, corruption, and the Phala Phala scandal.

Participants will move along Struben Street, Sophy de Bruyn Street, and Madiba Street before reaching the Union Buildings, where they are expected to disperse by 2:30pm.

A large number of roads will be affected by both marches. These include:

  • MK March: Paul Kruger, Madiba, Pretorius, Francis Baard, Thabo Sehume, Lilian Ngoyi, Sisulu, Du Toit, Nelson Mandela Drive, Steve Biko, and Park Streets.

  • Defend South Africa March: Struben, Sophy de Bruyn, Madiba, Bosman, Paul Kruger, Thabo Sehume, Lilian Ngoyi, Sisulu, Du Toit, Nelson Mandela Drive, Steve Biko, and Hamilton Streets.

The City of Tshwane has advised motorists to use alternative routes such as Visagie Street, Nana Sita Street, Stanza Bopape Street, Leyds Drive, Pretorius Street, and Eskia Mphahlele Drive.

The Tshwane Metro Police Department and South African Police Service (SAPS) officers will be deployed along all affected routes to monitor the marches and ensure public safety.

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