As the Metro police prepare for the DA’s contentious march, which could possibly lead to violent clashes with ANC members, motorists were advised to avoid the CBD on 12 February.
Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, Metro police spokesperson said the public should stay out of the CBD between 9am and 1pm to avoid traffic congestion.
The opposition party will no longer march to the ANC headquarters in Sauer Street as initially planned after the Metro police placed parameters on its protest action.
The DA will march from the Westgate Transport Hub to Beyers Naude Square.
Major roads, including Harrison and Simmonds streets and side roads leading to Beyers Naude Square, are likely to be heavily congested, Minnaar said.
Despite both parties pledging non-violence ahead of the march, there are fears of violent confrontations between the parties’ members.
On the eve of the DA’s march, it received a letter from the ANC’s legal team seeking assurances that the opposition party would conduct itself peacefully during its protest.
However, DA leader Helen Zille said, “This is deeply ironic considering the consistent threats of violence from the ANC ever since we announced our intention to conduct a lawful and peaceful march.”
Shortly after the DA’s initial plans to march to Luthuli House on 4 February were announced, ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu urged Zille to reconsider her decision, saying marching to the ruling party’s headquarters would be a recipe for disaster.
The ANC Youth League also issued a statement, saying that its 400 000-strong membership would defend Luthuli House.
On February 4, the day the opposition planned to march to Luthuli House, the ANC headquarters was a hive of activity as ANC members, carrying knobkerries and sticks, demonstrated outside the building.
The DA, however, did not march on that day as their action was postponed due to logistical reasons.
Minnaar did not comment as to whether Metro police are concerned about possible violence during the march but said that Metro officials would be on duty to monitor the situation.
The march is due to begin at 10:30am at the Westgate Transport Hub on the corner Anderson and Miriam Makeba streets.
