SAMWU Wage Protest Shuts Down M1 Freeway in Johannesburg
South African Municipal Workers' Union members blocked the M1 freeway in Johannesburg on Monday over wage disputes, causing severe traffic chaos before police reopened the road.
Members of the South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) protested wage disputes with the City of Johannesburg on Monday, October 26, 2026. Demonstrators marched onto the M1 freeway, forcing a total closure in both directions at the Smit Street on- and off-ramps in Braamfontein.
The blockade caused severe congestion and lengthy backups along the main north-south arterial corridor, impacting travel into and out of the Johannesburg CBD. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department responded by deploying officers to manage traffic flow and implement diversions, directing southbound motorists toward Empire Road or Jan Smuts Avenue and northbound motorists toward Booysens Road or the M2 East.
Police eventually dispersed the crowds and reopened the freeway. While traffic resumed flowing, officials remained on the scene to monitor the area and prevent further disturbances during peak travel hours.
