Johannesburg was largely operating as normal on Tuesday morning, with commuters going to work and taxis running their usual routes, although some shops remained closed and the streets were quieter than usual ahead of the anti-illegal immigration protests.
The sun was out, although temperatures remained chilly, as South Africa braced for demonstrations called by more than 20 civic groups and anti-migrant organisations.
The groups had set a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country.
The government has rejected calls for a national shutdown and deployed additional law enforcement officers to monitor the situation.
From Johannesburg North, including Cosmo City, Randburg and Rosebank, to the heart of the Johannesburg CBD, daily activities continued uninterrupted.
Taxis were seen ferrying commuters to various destinations, while major shopping centres and petrol stations remained open.
However, in some areas, including Cosmo City, the absence of street vendors was noticeable.
Streets that would normally be lined with traders selling food, clothing and other goods appeared unusually quiet.
Pedestrian movement was also slower than on a typical weekday morning.
In Braamfontein, taxis and buses continued transporting commuters, but no street vendors were seen selling scones, coffee, clothing, fruit, vegetables, snacks or drinks in areas that are usually busy.
Workers from Pikitup, the City of Johannesburg’s waste management entity, were seen carrying out their duties near Nelson Mandela Bridge.
Commuters travelled to work as normal across Johannesburg on Tuesday morning, with taxis operating on their usual routes despite planned anti-illegal immigration protests.
Traffic volumes in parts of the Johannesburg CBD were also lighter than usual.
Several shops near Bree Taxi Rank, FNB Bank City and surrounding areas remained closed.
A heavy police presence was visible across the city as authorities prepared to maintain law and order before and during the demonstrations.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) warned motorists to expect significant traffic disruptions as several planned and officially approved marches were set to take place across the city.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said integrated law enforcement teams, including JMPD officers and the South African Police Service’s Public Order Policing unit, would be deployed across Johannesburg to monitor march routes, manage traffic and maintain public safety.
Some shops in parts of the Johannesburg CBD remained closed, while streets appeared quieter than usual ahead of the protests.
“Significant traffic disruptions and delays are anticipated between 7am and 4pm,” Fihla said.
“Integrated law enforcement teams will remain on high alert and will be deployed throughout the city before, during and after 30 June.”
Fihla said the proactive deployment was aimed at ensuring public safety, maintaining order and responding swiftly to any spontaneous protests, pickets or gatherings that might arise.
Motorists have been advised to avoid affected streets and use alternative routes where possible.
The largest approved gathering is expected to attract about 5,000 participants.
The march, focusing on issues including immigration, inner-city safety, youth development and access to community services, is scheduled to begin at Beyers Naudé Square.
There are no street vendors operating near Bree Taxi Rank in Joburg CBD.
Participants are expected to assemble at 8.30am, with the march starting at 10am and concluding at 2pm.
The procession will move from Beyers Naudé Square along Rahima Moosa Street, east on Helen Joseph Street, left into Troye Street, which becomes Twist Street, before continuing along Twist Street and turning left into Kotze Street and right into Queen Street.
The march will end at Constitution Hill, where organisers are expected to hand over a memorandum to the Hillbrow police station commander at 1pm before dispersing.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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