Blocked Roads in Noordgesig due to Protesters

Residents of Noordgesig, Soweto, blocked the road by burning tires and throwing trash onto the road- (Picture Courtesy: Twitter (X)

Nomfundo Ngobese

(The Post News) – The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) warned drivers to avoid the Soweto Highway due to a protest in Noordgesig, Johannesburg.

Videos depicting the protests circulated widely on social media platforms such as Twitter (X). In one such video, protesters were observed hurling debris onto the Soweto Highway, bringing traffic to a standstill. The roads were obstructed with rocks and burning tires. Although JMPD characterized the protest as peaceful, officers were deployed to oversee the situation and ensure public safety.

The spokesperson of JMPD, Xolani Fihla, reported that the intersection of Soweto Highway in Noordgesig, Soweto, is currently blocked off to traffic due to protest action in the area. Burning tires, debris, and rubble have been used to block the roads. Fihla noted, “While the protest itself remains calm and peaceful, the blockade is causing significant traffic disruptions, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. He urged motorists to exercise caution, avoid the area, and consider using alternative routes, such as the N17.”

Fihla reported that the situation, which had been calm earlier, became tense as the protest continued, and passing cars were hit with stones. He also noted that the blockage may have been coordinated, as messages were being sent from last night until this morning. The JMPD attempted to communicate with community leaders to find a peaceful resolution.

Residents of Noordgesig are believed to have been protesting for improved service delivery, particularly addressing the ongoing electricity outage. Despite nationwide suspensions of blackouts in South Africa, Noordgesig has been with power issues for the past week, prompting residents to demand a permanent solution from City Power.

The Ward Councillor of Noordgesig, Brenda Dammie, has expressed concern over the recurring electricity issues in the area. She continued to say that despite the technicians from City Power coming to fix the problem, the electricity supply only lasts for a few hours, and then the power goes out again, damaging the appliances of residents.

This has led to frustration among the community, who are now demanding a permanent solution to the problem. Dammie said, “A temporary solution does not offer any real help to the residents and only serves to increase their frustration, which has led to protests in the past.”