Streets in the Tshwane CBD will be closed on Monday, 18 August 2025, as residents from Ga-Rankuwa carry out a planned protest over poor service delivery.
Tshwane CBD protests to disrupt traffic on Monday
The demonstrations, referred to locally as shutdowns, usually involve large groups of residents blocking roads and marching through city streets to demand government action.
According to a media alert issued by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), protesters will gather at Cassandra Park in Ga-Rankuwa from 09:00 before marching to the Ga-Rankuwa Municipal Offices in Zone 5.
Officers from both the TMPD and the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be deployed along the route to monitor the situation and manage traffic flow.
Streets that will be affected
The march is expected to affect several main streets in and around the Tshwane CBD.
These include:
- Mangope Road
- Mokgatle Street
- Modise Street
- Kgotleng Street
- Mokoena Street
- Khukhutswane Street
- Setlalentoa Street
- Kgole Street
- Motlaisane Street
Authorities have urged motorists to use alternative routes to avoid being caught in the protest.
Recommended roads include Makapan Road, Sekwato Street, Pilane Street, Lucas Mangope Road, and Dr Monnakgotla Street.
Why residents are protesting
Community members from Ga-Rankuwa say the shutdown is a result of years of frustration over poor service delivery.
Issues raised include:
- Roads that are either untarred or badly damaged.
- Streetlights that do not work, leaving residents vulnerable to crime at night.
- Blocked sewage systems and stormwater drains, causing flooding and unsafe walking conditions.
- Regular power cuts, with some households reportedly receiving electricity for only four hours a day.
Residents also allege that the municipal billing system is corrupt and inaccurate, leaving them overcharged for basic services.
Community leaders have described the protest as a last resort after repeated attempts to engage both Eskom and local government officials failed to produce solutions.
Possible risks for motorists and commuters
While organisers of the protest have described the shutdown as peaceful, previous demonstrations in Ga-Rankuwa have turned violent.
In January 2025, residents barricaded roads with burning tyres and debris, making it impossible for vehicles and even school children to move freely.
With tensions running high, police say they will monitor the situation closely and are prepared to step in if the protests lead to unrest.
Motorists and commuters traveling through the Tshwane CBD on Monday are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for delays, and avoid affected routes where possible.