Road closures, traffic disruptions as protest rages in Diepkloof
The JMPD has urged motorists to be aware of the ongoing traffic disruptions.
Protestors have barricaded the road with rocks and burning tyres. Picture: X/@Takatso_Moloi
As the new working week begins, road closures and traffic disruptions are occurring in Diepkloof, Johannesburg.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has urged motorists to be aware of the ongoing traffic disruptions caused by protest action at the Diepkloof Interchange in Diepkloof on Monday.
Traffic delays
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla warned that severe traffic delays are being experienced and are expected to worsen in the vicinity of the Diepkloof Interchange and surrounding areas due to ongoing road closures.
The following roads are closed:
N12 Eastbound and Westbound at the split with the N1.
N1 Northbound and Southbound at the split with the N12
'Dangerous driving conditions persist near the Diepkloof Interchange due to vehicles making U-turns and travelling against the flow of traffic. Exercise extreme caution in this area.'
ALSO READ: Get your blankets out: Cold front to hit Gauteng, emergency services on high alert
Looting
Fihla said the JMPD is attending to reports of protests, and there are further reports of truck looting.
'Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the Diepkloof Interchange completely. Consider using alternative routes such as Rand Show Road and Golden Highway to avoid the Diepkloof Interchange.
'Please note that these alternative routes are also likely to experience increased traffic volume and delays. Plan your journey accordingly and allow for extra travel time,' Fihla said.
⚠️ALERT : #ProtestAction on the N1 at the Diepkloof Interchange in Soweto.
⛔ Road closed with rocks and burning tyres 🔥.
Morning peak time #JHBTraffic will be impacted.#TrafficAlert. pic.twitter.com/eW7MEu5oLu — 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕋ℝ𝔸ℕ𝕊ℙ𝕆ℝ𝕋 𝔾𝕌𝕐 – 𝕏 🇿🇦 (@Takatso_Moloi) May 19, 2025
EFF VAT march
Meanwhile, the EFF is expected to hold will what it calls 'a VAT victory march' in Pretoria on Monday morning.
The march is set to begin at the Union Buildings and proceed to the National Treasury.
It takes place a day before Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tables his third Budget for this year in Cape Town, Western Cape.
'This marks a decisive victory for the people of South Africa, particularly the poor, the working class, and the unemployed, who would have borne the heaviest burden of such an unjust measure. Having defeated the VAT hike, we now intensify the struggle against student debt and austerity,' the EFF said.
♦️1 Day To Go ♦️
On 19 May 2025, the EFF will lead the #VATVictoryMarch to the National Treasury in celebration of the people's victory against the anti-poor, proposed VAT increase.
This marks a decisive victory for the people of South Africa—particularly the poor, the working… pic.twitter.com/TZCnILQXqJ
May 18, 2025
Streets affected
Streets that will be affected by the march include Stanza Bopape, Madiba, Paul Kruger and Lilian Ngoyi.
Motorists have been urged to exercise caution and use alternate routes.
ALSO READ: EFF to march to Kleinfontein: These roads will be affected
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