JMPD to Monitor Protests in Sandton by Organisations call for boycott of Miss Universe Pageant in Israel

The Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD) says it will be monitoring protests by pro-Palestinian supporters on Friday in front of the Miss South Africa offices in Sandton.

About twenty organisations are expected to gather in Sandton on Friday afternoon to call for a boycott of this year’s Miss Universe beauty pageant, which will be hosted in Israel next month. 

Last week, government withdrew its support and that of South Africa for Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane in the Miss Universe pageant after the organisers of the pageant said they will not pull out of the competition.

The JMPD Wayne Minnaar says officers will be on high alert.

“Officers will monitor protests in Johannesburg today where picketing will be expected at 313 Rivonia Road in Sandton as well as 103 Central Street Houghton. Protestors will hand over memorandums at both these locations and motorists are advised to exercise caution.”

The protest is expected to take place between 1pm and 3pm.