Joburg road closures: Expect congestion warns JMPD

Motorists have been warned to expect traffic congestion in parts of Johannesburg on Tuesday 4 May and Wednesday 5 May.

This is due to the state of the city address at the Metro Centre in Braamfontein over the course of two days.

The following routes will be affected:

• Harrison Street
• Jorissen Street
• Rissik Street
• De Korte Street
• Civic Boulevard
• Hoofd Street

“Officers will be deployed to regulate traffic from 7am to 4pm. Jorissen Street will be closed to traffic on Tuesday between Biccard Street and Civic Boulevard from 8.30am to 10am for the formation and procession of the motorcade,” Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said in a statement on Monday.

Fihla further urged motorists to use alternative routes.

“Traffic congestion can be expected. We are appealing to road users to be patient at that moment and to acquaint themselves with traffic management so they can plan their routes accordingly,” he added.

Metrobus strike

Metrobus operations in the city were disrupted on Monday after members affiliated with the Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (Demawusa) embarked on a strike over an 18% salary increase and other demands.

“Over the last period, workers in the metrobus have been subjected to appalling treatment at the hands of a management that seems to be hell-bent on ignoring procedures, undermining workers rights and leaving the service in ruins,” Demawusa said.

The union’s demands included a R150 a day transport allowance, R300 cellphone allowance, a 14th cheque and a once off payment of R15,000 for people who worked during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The list of demands is extensive. This indicates above all else how issue after issue after issue is ignored, sidetracked, and is used to demonise and victimise and isolate those who are raising legitimate demands. Many of the workers’ demands are to ensure that bus drivers are able to carry out their duties safely and with the right sort of back up to ensure an efficient and responsive service to our people,” the union said.

Additional reporting from News24 Wire