Afropunk 2019: Johannesburg road closures for New Year’s Eve festivities

The City of Johannesburg has warned motorists of multiple road closures in the Johannesburg CBD as more than 10 000 people plan to ring in the new year at the Afropunk Festival, among other events. 

The Afropunk Festival kicked off on Monday 30 December and will continue on Tuesday 31 December at Constitution Hill, in Braamfontein.

Road closures in Johannesburg  

The road closures in the Johannesburg CBD will be in place from Tuesday 31 December until 6:00 on Wednesday 1 January 2020 while New Year’s Eve celebrations are underway.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officers will be monitoring the area throughout the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

According to SABC News, City of Johannesburg events management director Bongi Mokaba said the following streets will be closed, among other roads: 

• Rahima Moosa;
• Henry Nxumalo; and
• Gwigwi Mrwebi

“From 21:00, the M1 North and the M1 South – different lanes are going to be shut down by the hour and that will be between 21:00 and 23:00,” said Mokaba. 

“From 23:00, the entire motorway is going to be shut down for two hours for the fireworks display,” she added. 

Full list of road closures for New Year’s countdown 

⚠️ROAD CLOSURES⚠️

Several roads in Joburg CBD will be closed-off in preparation for the #JoburgNYE19 countdown on Tues, 31 Dec 2019-Wed 01 Jan 2020.

The road closures will be conducted by @JoburgMPD in conjunction with the SAPS. #Woza2020 👇👇👇^PS#JoburgRoadSafety pic.twitter.com/nGiWk8UIdn

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) December 30, 2019

New Year’s Eve safety tips

Mokaba said motorists need to exercise caution as there will be road closures around Newtown in Johannesburg.

The road closures will be conducted by the metro police, in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS). 

The African News Agency (ANA) and ER24 have provided some safety tips to consider while ringing in the new year. 

Don’t drink and drive

Drinking and driving is not only dangerous to yourself but to your fellow motorists. With added road closures, it is especially important to successfully navigate your way through the city.

“Ask a friend to be the designated driver for the evening or utilise one of the several taxi services to get to and from your destinations,” they said. 

Take precautions

During the celebrations, there may be individuals that may take advantage of these situations.

“Make sure that your cellphone is fully charged, that you travel in crowds, never accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.”

Be responsible with fireworks

Depending on your location, lighting fireworks can be illegal. Make sure there is a responsible person handling the fireworks at all times and that there are no children left unattended near the fireworks.

“Fireworks can also cause distress to animals and may result in them injuring themselves or trying to escape from a property.” 

ER24

Stay hydrated while imbibing alcohol

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially when consuming alcohol.

“No matter what activity you might be partaking in, make sure that you stay hydrated.”

“Should you be drinking alcohol, make sure that you match every drink with a glass of water. This will help with the morning after.”

ER24