The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has urged Ghanaian nationals in Johannesburg, Durban and surrounding areas to take precautions following reports of protests that could threaten public safety and disrupt movement.
In an advisory issued on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the mission warned that demonstrations in the central business districts of both cities could result in road closures, traffic congestion and possible confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officers.
Protesters in Johannesburg were expected to gather near the Constitutional Court as tensions surrounding immigration issues continued to draw public attention.
The High Commission advised Ghanaians to avoid protest sites, large gatherings and areas experiencing disturbances. It also encouraged nationals to limit non-essential travel to the affected business districts until the situation stabilises.
Those who need to travel were advised to consider alternative routes and monitor local news, traffic reports and security updates from South African authorities.
The mission further urged Ghanaians to avoid confrontations with demonstrators, remain in contact with relatives and community leaders, and report incidents involving threats, intimidation or violence to the nearest police station.
Nationals affected by security-related incidents were also encouraged to contact the High Commission for consular assistance.
The advisory follows violent demonstrations in Johannesburg's Soweto township and Durban on Thursday, October 8, during which at least 24 vehicles were set ablaze and shops were looted. South African police said 10 vehicles were torched in Soweto and 14 in Durban, while three foreign nationals were arrested in connection with an alleged assault in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Ghana High Commission has called on its nationals to remain calm, comply with lawful instructions from security agencies and avoid sharing unverified information that could cause panic.
