Watch: Protests disrupt traffic in Braamfontein

Motorists are advised to avoid Braamfontein and the M1 freeway due to ongoing protests over wage disputes, as law enforcement ensures safety.

5 hours ago

Nelson Kgarose 2 minutes read

Photo; Video Screenshot from Yusuf Abramjee on X

Motorists are advised to steer clear of the Braamfontein area and the M1 freeway, as protest action currently unfolds at Smit Street. Law enforcement agencies are on the scene to manage the situation and ensure public safety.

Watch:

Another video https://t.co/wGO3vraPMW pic.twitter.com/sOa5KSRkcw

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 22, 2024

The Gauteng Provincial Joint Operations Centre (JOC) reports that city employees affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) are in discussions with city leadership regarding unresolved wage disputes. Should their demands remain unaddressed, the group has indicated they may proceed to block critical routes in the Johannesburg Inner City, affecting not only local streets in Braamfontein but also the M1 and M2 highways.

[WATCH] Hundreds of Joburg city workers affiliated to municipal workers union SAMWU have gathered in Braamfontein as they prepare to embark on a strike this afternoon.

JMPD has warned that the M1 and M2 highways will be heavily affected/closed today.@MongeziKoko pic.twitter.com/BxOU4jf8ls

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 22, 2024

Also read: Surviving a roadblock during the festive season

Gauteng Police are actively monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond to any potential road blockages. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and consider alternate routes to avoid delays and disruptions.

City of Johannesburg Municipality workers affiliated with SAMWU are currently protesting in Braamfontein, dumping garbage onto the streets. They have also blocked the M1 highway at the Smit Street interchange. Motorists are advised to avoid accessing the M1 highway at Smit Street in both directions and to use alternative routes instead.

According to Superintendent Xolani Fihla from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, approximately 10 000 City of Johannesburg employees are blocking the M1 and M2 highways, resulting in significant traffic disruptions in Braamfontein and the Johannesburg CBD. The protestors have taken to the streets following an attempted engagement with the City’s leadership this morning.

Despite the closures, reports indicate that the protestors are not violent, and police officers have been deployed to redirect traffic. The following diversions are currently in effect:

Traffic is being diverted at Empire Road on the M1 South.
Booysens Road on the M1 North.
Rissik Street/Selby exit on the M2 West.
Motorists coming from Crown using the M2 East can join the M1 South and exit at Booysens Road.

Important Notice for Motorists:
Stay informed about possible road closures in the Braamfontein precinct and along the M1 and M2 highways. Your safety is our priority.

These is what some of the residents had to say on social media

These are the “workers” who’re responsible for not working to stop the disintegration infrastructure in what was once a beautiful city and they want MORE money? Please, somebody, make it make sense.

— Mlungu 🏍️ 🏉🇿🇦 (@incautius) August 22, 2024