• According to a notice posted on social media, the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) civil society organization is slated to hold a protest at the National Department of Health in Pretoria at 12:00 (local time) on August 23.
• The picket is being organized to demand the government’s adherence to the 2018 wage agreement and distribute promised COVID-19 allowances to the health workers.

The protest comes after similar demonstrations in May and highlights NEHAWU’s attempt to pressure the government to address health workers’ economic grievances by ensuring the implementation of the wage agreement and promised COVID-19 allowances. FORECAST: Given the entrenched grievances among health workers combined with the NEHAWU’s known mobilization capabilities, the protest is likely to observe participation ranging in the mid-to-high dozens. A bolstered security presence can be expected in the vicinity of the Health Department. While the protest is expected to take place peacefully, the security forces are liable to disperse protesters using tear gas and batons if they behave in an unruly manner or are seen to disregard COVID-19 regulations on public gatherings and social distancing. Traffic disruptions can be expected in the vicinity of the health department during the early afternoon hours.

Those operating or residing in Pretoria on August 23 are advised to maintain vigilance in the vicinity of the National Department of Health due to the slated protest and the potential for unrest.