M1 reopened after protest action near Braamfontein [VIDEO]

The M1 freeway is still congested near the Smit Street offramp but all lanes have been reopened.

Traffic backed up for several kilometers in both directions as protestors affiliated to unions and a provincial government employment scheme blocked both sides of the carriageway.

Motorists are still urged to avoid the M1 near the Johannesburg CBD as traffic subsides.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) were providing traffic management while the public order policing unit worked to clear the protest.

WATCH: Footage taken from Braamfontein showing the congestion on the M1

Protestors linked to Samwu and Nasi iSpani

The protestors are believed to be linked to the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) as well as former Nasi iSpani beneficiaries who claim to still be owed stipends from the government.

The protestors had a meeting at Mary Fitzgerald Square on Thursday morning, whereafter they made their way to Smit Street where they barricaded the M1.

“The closure is causing significant traffic disruptions and delays in the CBD, with streets crossing Pixley ka Isaka Seme also being blocked off,” stated JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla.

“Traffic is heavy on the M1 north and southbound, and commuters can expect delays in the Braamfontein precinct and surrounding areas,” he added.

Traffic through Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Street was also been closed to traffic between Village Main Road and Pritchard Street.

Traffic flowing again

A member of the Gauteng Youth Brigade (GYB), Sihle Mzizi, confirmed to The Citizen that members of their protest movement were not involved in the Braamfontein protest on Thursday.

The GYB members had staged several protests earlier in the year after they were not appointed permanently following their Nasi iSpani teaching contracts this year.

Traffic had begun flowing unobstructed since just after 5pm on Thursday afternoon.

Authorities were still on scene clearing the remainder of the debris and Fihla urged motorists to drive with caution.

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