There are some scarcely-believable scenes reaching us from the middle of Johannesburg. Officers of the JMPD have sensationally caused a major road blockage on the M2 highway. Their strike action has now STOPPED TRAFFIC flowing in either direction.
Johannesburg traffic for Thursday 18 August: Latest updates, news, and disruptions
It’s carnage out there on the roads, if we’re being perfectly honest. The M2 has been closed in BOTH directions between the M1 and M31 – with these other two highways also now heavily congested. Klein Street is also backed-up majorly.
Anderson Street, Commissioner Street, and even Market Street are now badly impacted. Traffic officials have already warned motorists to seek alternative routes if travelling towards Braamfontein, with Marshalltown also being designated as an area to avoid.
“This is the current situation. Union members refuse to open the M2 highway, as they are waiting for their leaders to conclude a meeting with Acting City Manager Bryne Maduka. I have addressed those on strike earlier this afternoon.” | David Tembe
M2 madness: Why are JMPD officers on strike?
A dispute over wages has led us to this point. JMPD officials feel like they are getting a raw deal, and union leaders are currently locked in talks with City of Joburg officials about resolving the issue. To force home their point, this unofficial shutdown has brought parts of the city to a standstill.
🚨ALERT : M2 East and West Is closed by #Protesting JMPD employees. Except delays around Johannesburg CBD. #JHBTraffic pic.twitter.com/ulZ6BN0687
— The Transport Guy ™ (@Takatso_Moloi) August 18, 2022
Watch: JMPD officers BLOCK THE M2 in Johannesburg
Just before 17:00 SAST, the M2 highway remained closed, exacerbating traffic issues all across Johannesburg. It’s not known how long JMPD officers are willing to keep the protests going, but the longer it takes to reach a wage agreement, the more disruption we can expect to see.
JMPD shut M2 highway for salary strike. pic.twitter.com/iMcj1zrPhH
— Candley Sky (@CandleySeroba) August 18, 2022
Scenes from the M2. Members of unions are still blocking the road, while the leaders are locked in a side meeting with Acting City Manager Bryne Maduka @ Metro Center
JMPD pic.twitter.com/HyGeoZVtd4
— #BuyaMthethoGroundForce (@IamTlotlego) August 18, 2022
CENTRAL JOHANNESBURG
ROAD CLOSED: M2 East between the Crown Interchange and the Joe Slovo Drive exit due to PROTEST ACTION (JMPD members striking). #ProtestAction#JHBTraffic #JacaTraffic
— Jacaranda FM Traffic (@jaca_traffic) August 18, 2022
JUST IN! M2 East & Westbound is shut due to @JoburgMPD Officers Strike. #SABCNews understands that it is "Wage/Salary" related Strike. Officers are calling for The Mayor @CityofJoburgZA and City Manager to address them. pic.twitter.com/r0QVXzgsiY
— Thabiso Sithole (@ThabisoSithole) August 18, 2022
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