The City of Tshwane has confirmed that a protest under the banner “Cyril Must Fall” will take place on Friday, 4 April 2025.
Streets to be closed for Friday’s protest march
The protest is being led by civic group Defend South Africa (DSA) and will also include participation from Operation Dudula.
The march is scheduled to begin at 10:00, starting from the Old Putco Bus Depot in Marabastad and ending at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Organisers say the march is a peaceful demonstration calling for the immediate resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, citing dissatisfaction with the country’s economic and political direction.
Marchers will walk through several major streets in central Pretoria, which will be temporarily closed to traffic.
Tshwane Metro Police have released a full list of streets that will be affected.
These include:
- Struben Street
- Cowie Street
- Kgosi Mampuru Street
- Bosman Street
- Sophie de Bruyn Street
- Paul Kruger Street
- Thabo Sehume Street
- Lillian Ngoyi Street
- Du Toit Street
- Nelson Mandela Drive
- Madiba Street
- Hamilton Street
Motorists are advised to avoid these roads between 10:00 and 13:30 and to use alternative routes such as Eskia Mphahlele Drive, Nana Sita Street, Francis Baard Street, WF Nkomo Street, and Bloed Street.
Tshwane Metro Police and SAPS will be on the ground to monitor the event and assist with traffic control.
What the protest is about
According to organisers, the march is a protest against what they describe as the country’s current state of decline under President Ramaphosa’s leadership.
Operation Dudula, known for its activist stance on issues like immigration and economic reform, confirmed its involvement and declared support for the call for the president’s removal.
Despite the provocative slogan, Defend South Africa has issued a public statement distancing itself from any political endorsements or incitement to violence.
The group says it is not aligned with any political party and is focused on peaceful civic activism.
They also warned that anyone found inciting violence during the protest would be handed over to the police.
The protest is legally registered, and authorities have approved the route.