Police out in force, monitoring protestors

Pretoria - The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and SAPS are keeping a close eye on the Johannesburg CBD as people start gathering for a protest march on Wednesday.

Thousands of people are expected to take to the streets in Johannesburg in a Cosatu-led protest against the use of labour brokers and e-tolling on Gauteng's freeways, among other issues.

JMPD spokesperson Inspector Edna Mamonyane said this morning that protestors were arriving in "dribs and drabs".

"They are starting to gather at Beyers Naud, Square. People are arriving from the various bus and train stations. The situation is under control. SAPS and Metro Police will be monitoring the march," she added.

COSATU, which has planned 32 marches across the country, said it expected 100 000 people to participate in the march. Several other unions and organisations have come out in support of the march.

Motorists have been urged to stay away from the city centre if possible.

Marchers are expected to gather at Beyers Naude Square and march to four locations to hand over memoranda, including the Premier's Office, the Chamber of Mines, SEISSA and the Department of Transport and Roads 

The Gauteng Department of Education on Tuesday warned that a "no work, no pay" approach would be taken to those teachers and principals who participated in the march. - BuaNews