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Traffic Disruptions Expected in Joburg CBD Amid Planned March
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has issued a traffic advisory for the city’s central business district (CBD) on Thursday, warning of possible disruptions due to a planned march by Umphakathi Wesizwe.
Road Closures and Traffic Impact
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed that around 1,000 participants are expected to take part in the demonstration, which aims to deliver a memorandum to the Office of the Executive Mayor. However, the group has not yet publicly disclosed its grievances.
The march will begin at 11 a.m., with participants assembling at Maryfitz Gerald Square from 9 a.m. They are expected to reach JD House in Braamfontein around noon.
Motorists should anticipate road closures along the following routes:
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Lillian Ngoyi Street
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Ntemi Piliso Street
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Steimens Street
JMPD officers will be stationed along these roads to manage traffic and ensure the safety of both marchers and other road users.
“Motorists can expect potential delays and are advised to plan ahead, consider alternative routes, and exercise patience when traveling through the affected areas,” said Fihla.
Ongoing Protests in Johannesburg
The city has experienced several demonstrations in recent weeks as residents and organizations voice their concerns over service delivery failures.
Earlier this month, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led a march to Johannesburg Water in protest against water supply interruptions.
“The march to Johannesburg Water is just one of many planned demonstrations this year by the EFF to demand better service delivery,” the party stated.
The EFF has called for a specialized JMPD unit to be established to combat vandalism and theft of water infrastructure.
Meanwhile, advocacy group WaterCAN also took to the streets last month to protest against water shortages.
“Johannesburg residents are tired of excuses regarding the city’s water crisis. Today, we and our partners took action to demand change,” the organization stated.
They called for the city to “ringfence” the water budget to prioritize infrastructure repairs and ensure safe, clean water for all.
Mayor Addresses Infrastructure Concerns
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has acknowledged that vandalism and infrastructure damage remain major obstacles for the city.
“In discussions with the national water department, it has been confirmed that there is no actual shortage of water. The problem is our infrastructure, which suffers from leaks and other issues,” Morero said.
He assured residents that Johannesburg Water would continue deploying water tankers in informal settlements to ensure access to clean water.
Beyond water concerns, the city is also grappling with widespread traffic light failures, largely due to vandalism.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) manages 2,023 signalized intersections, 251 of which fall under Gauteng’s provincial jurisdiction.
“The city is struggling to maintain traffic signals due to persistent vandalism and theft. So far, 194 intersections across Joburg have been affected, while 60 provincial intersections require full reconstruction,” Morero noted.
Authorities are working to repair damaged infrastructure, but with ongoing protests and increasing pressure from residents, the city faces mounting challenges.
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Sourced:The Citizen
