Johannesburg, South Africa — Several of Johannesburg’s busiest routes — including the N1, M1, and N12 — will be partially closed this Saturday, November 15, between 09h00 and 13h00, as law enforcement agencies conduct joint traffic operations ahead of the historic G20 Leaders’ Summit later this month at Nasrec and the Sandton Convention Centre.
According to the Johannesburg Police Department (JMPD) coordinated operation — involving the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Gauteng Traffic Police, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) — aims to ensure public safety, smooth motorcade movement, and traffic compliance during one of the city’s most high-security weekends of the year.
“Our priority is the safety and convenience of all road users across Johannesburg,” said JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, adding that joint operations “allow us to manage congestion, identify lawlessness, and maintain order during this crucial period.”
Major routes affected
Motorists should expect intermittent closures, lane restrictions, and diversions on these 10 key corridors across the city:
National & Regional Highways
- N1
- M1
- N12
Urban & Arterial Roads
- 5th Street, Maude Street, Daisy Street (Sandton)
- Rivonia Road, Grayston Drive, Kathrine Street
- Whiteley Road, Melrose Boulevard (Melrose Arch)
- Athol Oaklands Road, Oxford Road, Glenhove Road (Rosebank–Parktown)
- Jan Smuts Avenue, Winnie Mandela Drive, Hendrick Potgieter Road
- Rand Show Road, Nasrec Road, Golden Highway (Nasrec precinct)
- Golden Highway (Nasrec–Lenasia corridor)
The RTMC confirmed that these temporary closures form part of pre-summit drills to test route readiness ahead of the official G20 and B20 summits on November 22–23.
For more on South Africa’s leadership role at this year’s global gathering, read:
👉 SA Presidency: G20 Handover Ceremony at the Rio Summit
Suggested alternative routes
Roodepoort area
- Use: Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan De Wet Road, Ontdekkers Road
- Avoid: Hendrick Potgieter Road
Fourways
- Use: Main Road, Cedar Road, Witkoppen Road
- Avoid: Rivonia Road, Daisy Street
Sandton, Rosebank & Parktown
- Use: Corlett Drive, Sandton Drive, 11th Avenue
- Avoid: Jan Smuts Avenue, Oxford Road, Rivonia Road
Southern Johannesburg (Riverlea, Nasrec, Ormonde View)
- Use: Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, Crownwood Road, Soweto Highway, N17, Aerodrome Road, Adcock Ingram Road
- Avoid: Rand Show Road, Golden Highway
Authorities have assured motorists that clear signage, visible JMPD presence, and real-time traffic updates will be provided throughout the operation. Access for emergency and essential services will remain prioritised at all times.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reiterated that these measures are “essential to enhance public safety, enforce compliance, and support broader traffic management initiatives, including vehicle inspections and congestion control.”
Why it matters
The G20 Summit — a global forum of major economies focused on economic policy, financial stability, and sustainable development — marks a historic moment for the continent. Hosting the summit is both a diplomatic victory and a logistical challenge for South Africa, demanding multi-agency coordination and tight security measures.
Still, the build-up hasn’t been without controversy. Donald Trump’s boycott of the G20 Summit over debunked “white farmer genocide” claims has drawn global attention, underscoring the political tensions surrounding this year’s gathering.
⚠️ Public reminder
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official socia media channels:
Facebook: City of Joburg
YouTube: City of Johannesburg
The city has also launched an extensive clean-up and bylaw enforcement campaign, towing abandoned vehicles and removing illegal signage in preparation for the influx of foreign delegates, media, and security personnel
