Avoid gridlock this Mandela Day—plan your route as major marches disrupt traffic in Pretoria.
As South Africa observes Mandela Day, the City of Tshwane is bracing for two major protest marches that are set to significantly disrupt traffic in and around the Pretoria CBD. While the day traditionally calls for 67 minutes of service in honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, some citizens will be using their time to voice growing frustrations with political leadership, corruption, and crime
What’s Happening and Why?
Two politically charged marches are scheduled for Friday, 18 July. Both promise high turnout and wide-ranging traffic impacts.
1. MK Party March
Members of the MK Party from Gauteng are leading a protest demanding arrests of those named by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who recently alleged political interference in law enforcement. The protest aims to shine a spotlight on perceived state capture and lack of accountability.
- Gathering point: Church Square, Pretoria Central (from 10:00 AM)
- Destination: Maupa Naga Building, Corner Park & Troye Streets, Sunnyside
- Dispersal: Expected by 2:00 PM
Route Details:
- Paul Kruger Street
- Francis Baard Street
- Park Street
2. Defend South Africa March
This larger movement—supported by the United Civic Movements—is calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s resignation, citing:
- Soaring cost of living
- Corruption (including the Phala Phala scandal)
- Unemployment
- Crime and illegal immigration
- Weakening of the SANDF
- Gathering point: Old Putco Depot, Marabastad (from 10:00 AM)
- Destination: Union Buildings
- Dispersal: Expected by 2:30 PM
Route Details:
- Struben Street
- Sophy de Bruyn Street
- Madiba Street
READ: Mandela House in Soweto: What to Expect in 2025 and Why It Still Matters
Streets to Avoid in Tshwane
Due to both marches, expect congestion or complete closures on the following roads:
- Paul Kruger Street
- Madiba Street
- Pretorius Street
- Francis Baard Street
- Thabo Sehume Street
- Lilian Ngoyi Street
- Sisulu Street
- Du Toit Street
- Nelson Mandela Drive
- Steve Biko Road/Street
- Park Street
- Hamilton Street
- Sophy de Bruyn Street
- Bosman Street
- Struben Street
Recommended Alternative Routes
Motorists are urged to use these detours to bypass the protest routes:
- Nana Sita Street
- Stanza Bopape Street
- Visagie Street
- Eskia Mphahlele Drive
- Leyds Drive
Traffic Management
The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and South African Police Service (SAPS) will deploy officers to all key intersections, ensuring public safety and managing road closures.
Final Advice for Commuters
Whether you’re heading to work, school, or planning your own 67-minute act of service, leave early, avoid central Pretoria, and stay tuned to live updates from Tshwane authorities.
If you must travel through the affected areas, expect delays, diversions, and heavy pedestrian activity.
Also read: Baby Soft Addresses Toilet Crisis in Gauteng Schools This Mandela Day
