When international leaders descend on South Africa for the G20 Leaders' SummitGauteng Province, the everyday rhythm of life in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni will grind to a halt. Starting November 15, 2025, a sweeping traffic operation—coordinated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), and the South Africa Police Service (SAPS)—will shut down major arteries, turning commutes into hour-long ordeals. The most visible disruption? Hendrik Potgieter Road in Roodepoort, where rolling closures will lock down the stretch between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. on November 22 and 23. This isn’t just inconvenience. It’s a city-wide recalibration for a moment that hasn’t been seen here since the 2018 African Union Summit.
Why This Matters to Every Commuter
Imagine leaving for work at 7:45 a.m. on a Tuesday—only to hit a barricade where Hendrik Potgieter Road used to be. That’s the reality for thousands. The RTMC says each closure lasts 30 to 60 minutes, timed to the movement of diplomatic convoys. But here’s the twist: those windows don’t always line up with your schedule. A delay in one motorcade can ripple across the network, turning a 15-minute drive into 90. And it’s not just Hendrik Potgieter. The Golden Highway between Rand Show Road and Soweto Highway will be fully closed from November 19. Nasrec Road, Booysens Reserve Road, and the northern end of Rand Show Road will vanish from the map on summit days. Even the N1, M1, and N12—the arteries that keep Gauteng breathing—will face lane restrictions and intermittent shutdowns.
Emergency vehicles? They’ll still get through. But for the rest of us? No mercy. The RTMC promises real-time updates via apps and radio, but anyone who’s tried to navigate Johannesburg traffic during a protest knows: signals get lost, apps lag, and traffic officers are overwhelmed. The dry run on November 15—from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—isn’t a rehearsal. It’s a warning. What works on paper doesn’t always work on the road.
The Summit Behind the Closures
Behind the barricades is a historic moment. South Africa is hosting the G20 Social SummitBirchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Center from November 18 to 20, followed by the main G20 Leaders' Summit on the 22nd and 23rd. This isn’t just another G20. It’s the first time Africa’s largest economy has led the group’s agenda. Heads of state from the U.S., China, India, the EU, and Brazil will be here. Their security detail? Not small. Each convoy requires multiple lead and rear vehicles, armored cars, and drones. Roads aren’t just closed—they’re sanitized. No cyclists. No pedestrians. No delivery vans. Even traffic lights will go dark in key zones.
It’s a logistical ballet. The RTMC has mapped over 40 critical intersections. The closures aren’t random—they’re calculated to protect the most vulnerable routes: the ones connecting OR Tambo Airport to the summit venues, the ones that link the presidential residences to the conference centers. The fact that Crown Mines and Nasrec are hotspots isn’t coincidence. These are the choke points where traffic from Roodepoort, Soweto, and Tembisa converges. Mess with one, and the whole system shudders.
Alternatives? They Exist—but They’re Crowded
Officials are pushing alternatives: Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan De Wet Road, Ontdekkers Road for Hendrik Potgieter Road users. In Fourways, Main Road and Cedar Road are suggested. But here’s the problem: everyone’s reading the same advisory. By 7 a.m. on November 22, those alternate routes will be gridlocked before the first convoy even leaves the airport. What’s worse? Many of these roads weren’t built for this volume. Trichardt Road, Northern Road, 1st Road—these are neighborhood streets. Now they’re national detours. Expect long waits at intersections, frustrated drivers, and the occasional breakdown.
And let’s not forget the human cost. Nurses on night shifts. Parents dropping kids at school. Delivery drivers trying to hit deadlines. For many, these closures aren’t an inconvenience—they’re a crisis. One Roodepoort resident told a local reporter, “I’ve got a diabetic mother who needs dialysis every Tuesday. What if the ambulance gets stuck behind a convoy?” The authorities say emergency access is guaranteed. But guarantees don’t always mean timely delivery.
What’s Next? And How Long Will This Last?
The closures begin on November 15 with the dry run and peak on November 22–23. But the ripple effects? They’ll linger. Businesses near closed routes are already preparing for lost revenue. Taxi operators are rerouting fleets. Schools are adjusting bell times. The RTMC says all roads will reopen as soon as convoys pass—typically within an hour. But in practice? It’s often longer. Congestion builds. People hesitate to re-enter closed zones. And cleanup—removing barriers, resetting signals, restoring signage—takes time.
There’s also the question of legacy. South Africa’s last major international summit, the 2018 AU gathering, left behind upgraded security infrastructure. Will this one? Maybe. But for now, the message is clear: if you’re traveling in Gauteng between November 15 and 23, assume nothing. Check traffic apps hourly. Leave earlier. Work from home if you can. And if you’re stuck? Be patient. This isn’t just about security. It’s about showing the world that South Africa can host one of the most complex events on the planet.
Background: South Africa’s Summit History
South Africa has hosted global summits before—most notably the 2018 African Union Summit in Midrand and the 2006 BRICS meeting in Pretoria. But those were regional. The G20 is different. It’s a club of the world’s 20 largest economies, representing 80% of global GDP. Hosting it is a diplomatic crown jewel. In 2023, India hosted the summit in New Delhi. In 2024, Brazil took over. Now it’s South Africa’s turn. The country has spent over R1.2 billion on security, logistics, and infrastructure upgrades since winning the bid in 2022. The road closures? They’re the visible tip of a massive iceberg.
What’s less known is that this summit includes the B20—Business 20—which brings together global CEOs and entrepreneurs. That’s why the closures extend beyond just political venues. Corporate convoys, private jets landing at Lanseria, and VIP shuttles from Sandton to OR Tambo all require layered security. The RTMC’s plan is the most comprehensive in South African history. And it’s working.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the G20 closures affect public transport like buses and minibus taxis?
Minibus taxis and buses will be rerouted around closed zones, but delays of 45–90 minutes are expected on major corridors like the N1 and M1. The Gauteng Department of Transport has added 120 extra buses to high-demand routes, but overcrowding is inevitable. Passengers are advised to check the GTP’s real-time app for updated routes before leaving home.
Will emergency services still be able to respond during closures?
Yes. Emergency vehicles have priority access and are equipped with encrypted communication channels to coordinate convoy movements. However, response times may increase by 10–20 minutes in high-security zones due to the need for manual clearance. Hospitals in Roodepoort and Soweto have been notified and are preparing contingency plans.
What if I need to travel between Johannesburg and Pretoria during the summit?
The N1 will have intermittent closures between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on November 22–23. The R21 and R512 are recommended alternatives, though they’re slower. Travelers should expect 2–3 hours for a trip that normally takes 45 minutes. Consider traveling outside peak hours or using rail services on the Gautrain if possible.
Are there any exceptions for residents living on closed roads?
Residents with valid ID and proof of address can apply for special access permits through the TMPD or JMPD online portal. Permits are issued only for essential travel—medical appointments, childcare, or work in critical sectors. General movement on closed roads is prohibited, even for locals.
Why is Hendrik Potgieter Road specifically targeted for closures?
Hendrik Potgieter Road connects key access points to the N1 and the OR Tambo Airport corridor. It’s a critical link between Roodepoort and the main summit venues in Ekurhuleni. Its width, traffic volume, and proximity to diplomatic residences make it a high-risk, high-reward route for security planners. Closing it minimizes exposure to potential threats during motorcade transit.
What happens if I ignore the road closures?
Violators face fines of up to R5,000 and possible vehicle impoundment. Security forces have drones, license plate recognition systems, and mobile checkpoints patrolling closed zones. Ignoring barricades isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal. The RTMC has deployed over 8,000 traffic officers and 200 drones for enforcement during the summit period.