Traffic on the N3 highway, one of South Africa’s busiest transport routes, has come to a standstill due to a truck blockade near the Roadside/Reitz Interchange in the Free State.
What’s the latest traffic situation on the N3?
The incident began on the morning of Monday, 2 June 2025, when a large number of trucks obstructed both northbound and southbound lanes.
Law enforcement officers are on the scene and have started diverting vehicles via off-ramps at the affected interchange to reduce the traffic backlog. Despite these efforts, traffic is moving very slowly, and delays are expected to continue for some time.
Motorists travelling between Warden and Villiers are being advised to avoid the area entirely.
According to reports, the blockade has completely shut down this section of the N3 in both directions. Authorities are urging drivers to postpone travel plans or use alternative routes until the situation is resolved.
Who is behind the N3 truck blockade?
This truck obstruction is believed to be a planned protest, rather than a spontaneous traffic incident.
Members of several truck driver organisations, including the United Truck Drivers of South Africa (UTDSA), the All Truck Drivers Forum and Allied South Africa (ATDF-ASA), and Operation Dudula, are reportedly behind the blockade.
A social media circular that started circulating on 23 May 2025 warned of a “National Shutdown” planned by truck driver groups and Operation Dudula.
The message called for coordinated protest action aimed at removing foreign nationals from employment in South Africa, particularly in the trucking industry.
It also urged other groups with similar goals to join the movement.
The poster read:
“South African truck drivers together with Operation Dudula once again on the ground in the fight of the invasion of foreign nationals… #OurJobs #OurProperties #OurState.”
This latest protest is a strong indication of growing tensions around employment in the country, especially within the trucking sector, where local driver groups claim foreign nationals are being hired at the expense of South Africans.
Law enforcement is closely monitoring the protest and working to clear the road, but there is no confirmed timeline for when normal traffic flow will resume.
Officials have not yet released a formal statement about how long the blockade will continue or what steps will be taken to prevent further disruptions.
For now, road users are advised to remain patient and stay informed through official traffic updates.
