M1 freeway reopens after SAMWU protest
M1 freeway reopens after SAMWU protest Zandile.Khumalo Mon, 10/26/2026 - 17:34 JOHANNESBURG - The M1 freeway has been reopened following a protest action by the South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) on Monday. The closure caused heavy congestion around Braamfontein and the CBD area. Johannesburg Metropolitan Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the protest action was over ongoing wage disputes. “Demonstrators marched onto the M1 freeway, forcing a total closure in both direc
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M1 freeway reopens after SAMWU protest Zandile.Khumalo Mon, 10/26/2026 - 17:34
JOHANNESBURG - The M1 freeway has been reopened following a protest action by the South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) on Monday.
The closure caused heavy congestion around Braamfontein and the CBD area.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the protest action was over ongoing wage disputes.
“Demonstrators marched onto the M1 freeway, forcing a total closure in both directions at the Smit Street on- and off-ramps near Braamfontein. The blockade caused severe back-ups along the main north-south arterial corridor, impacting travel into and out of the Johannesburg CBD,” he said.
Fihla said JMPD officials have been deployed to monitor the situation and ensure that there are no further disruptions.
“We can confirm that the crowds have been dispersed, the freeway has been reopened and traffic is flowing but we will still be on the ground to ensure that we avert any further disturbances.”
Motorists have been urged to proceed with caution as residual delays clear.
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About this article
- Length
- 169 words · 1 min read
- Published
- October 26, 2026
- Byline
- Zandile.Khumalo
- Source
- Enca