Gauteng Gears Up for G20 Summit: Expect Traffic Disruptions
Johannesburg motorists, brace yourselves! As South Africa prepares to host the prestigious G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2025, law enforcement agencies are ramping up security measures, leading to temporary road closures and traffic disruptions across the city. This weekend, a coordinated operation involving the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be in full swing.
The operation, scheduled for Saturday, November 15th, 2025, between 09h00 and 13h00, will focus on key areas within the City of Johannesburg, targeting high-security corridors and major highways. Expect delays on major national and regional routes, as well as key arterial and urban roads like 5th Street, Maude Street, Grayston Drive, and Jan Smuts Avenue. Motorists are strongly advised to plan their journeys in advance, allocate extra travel time, and consider alternative routes.
Alternative Routes to Beat the G20 Traffic
- Roodepoort Area: Use Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan De Wet Road, or Ontdekkers Road instead of Hendrick Potgieter Road.
- Fourways: Opt for Main Road, Cedar Road, or Witkoppen Road.
- Sandton/Rosebank/Parktown: Utilize Corlett Drive, Sandton Drive, or 11th Avenue as alternatives to Jan Smuts, Oxford, and Rivonia Roads.
- Southern Johannesburg: Consider Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, Crownwood Road, Soweto Highway, N17, Aerodrome Road, and Adcock Ingram Road.
'Filthy' Johannesburg Under Scrutiny Ahead of G20
Beyond traffic concerns, Johannesburg faces another challenge: cleaning up its image. With world leaders descending upon the city, the state of Johannesburg's inner city has come under intense scrutiny. Reports highlight over 100 derelict buildings plagued by rubbish, open sewage, and even criminal activity. President Cyril Ramaphosa himself has expressed concern, describing the city as "filthy" and highlighting the issue of abandoned and hijacked buildings. Authorities are under pressure to improve the city's appearance and ensure the safety of visitors during the summit.