11 Jun 2024 | 02:00 PM UTC
South Africa: Protesters blocking M40 near Alexandra, northern Johannesburg, June 11
Service delivery protesters blocking M40 main road near Alexandra, northern Johannesburg, South Africa, June 11. Avoid the area.
An ongoing service delivery protest is blocking traffic at the intersection of the M40 (London Road) metropolitan route and 16th Avenue near Alexandra, Johannesburg, June 11. Protesters are likely residents of the nearby lower-income area of Alexandra. The motive for the protest remains unclear. Security services have reportedly deployed to the area.
Heightened security is likely in the affected area over the coming hours. Further associated transport disruptions are possible, including along the nearby N3 and M1 highways. Clashes between protesters and the police may occur if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse or engage in acts of public violence.
Avoid the area, and do not drive through roadblocks. Heed the directives of the local authorities and monitor local media for updates. Consider alternative routes around the impacted area.
Service delivery protests are common in South Africa. South Africa's lower-income neighborhoods are severely impacted by rolling power cuts, localized water shortages, and a lack of service delivery from authorities. Socio-economic issues - added to higher levels of violent crime, carjacking, sexual assaults, kidnapping, and murder - have driven residents to frequent protests, often involving road blockades.
Alexandra is a notable protest hotspot in Johannesburg due to its proximity to Sandton, arguably the country's wealthiest suburb. Nationwide, protesters recurrently block primary and secondary routes with debris during busy rush hour periods (early morning or evening). Roadblocks, particularly to national highways (such as the N1/2/3/4/5/6/7), are usually cleared shortly after the start of the event. Acts of arson are rare but can occur. Some protests can last for several hours.
