Johannesburg M1 Freeway reopened after SAMWU wage protest

The M1 Freeway in Johannesburg has reopened in both directions following a blockade by members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU). The protest, centered on ongoing wage disputes, led to the total closure of the northbound and southbound carriageways near the Smit Street on- and off-ramps in the Braamfontein and Johannesburg CBD areas.

Public order police units were deployed to disperse the demonstrators, allowing the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) to clear the arterial corridor. While all lanes are now open, the JMPD warned that motorists may still encounter residual congestion and delays in the Braamfontein precinct and surrounding central business district routes. Traffic officers remain on-site to monitor the situation and assist with traffic flow.