Motorists advised to avoid R21 in Ekurhuleni amid EMPD protest

Motorists advised to avoid R21 in Ekurhuleni amid EMPD protest! Motorists in Ekurhuleni are being urged to avoid the R21 highway due to an ongoing protest that has led to major traffic disruptions. Reports indicate that members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) have blocked the southbound lane before the Benoni off-ramp, creating a significant bottleneck for commuters.

Despite the widespread reports of the protest, the City of Ekurhuleni claims it was not officially notified about the demonstration.

City Officials Unaware of EMPD Protest

City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini stated that the municipality had not received any formal communication about the protest, making it difficult for them to verify the details of the strike.

“We have received reports through the media and social media that our officers are embarking on a protest. We do not have any notification on this particular exercise, nor can we confirm nor deny that it is taking place,” said Dlamini.

Motorists advised to avoid R21

Despite this, the protest has caused major delays, leading to concerns from both commuters and city officials.

City Declares EMPD Strike Illegal

The City of Ekurhuleni has officially declared the EMPD protest illegal, stating that the officers involved are engaging in unauthorized industrial action.

The protesting officers blocked major highways with their police vehicles, disrupting traffic flow not only on the R21 but also on the R24 westbound between OR Tambo Interchange and Electron Interchange.

This act has been widely criticized as it has left thousands of motorists stranded, while businesses and public services have also been affected by the delays.

Union Dispute Over Overtime Reductions

The protest comes in the wake of an ongoing dispute between the City of Ekurhuleni and the Municipal Employees and Civil Servants Union (MECSU).

Earlier in March 2025, MECSU issued a statement of demands, rejecting the city’s decision to decrease overtime hours for EMPD officers.

The reduction in overtime hours is believed to be one of the primary reasons behind the strike, as officers feel that the change will negatively impact their earnings and working conditions.

City Engaging Stakeholders to Resolve the Issue

Despite declaring the strike illegal, the City of Ekurhuleni has acknowledged the grievances of the EMPD officers and is working to resolve the issue through negotiations with relevant stakeholders.

“We are currently communicating with relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues,” said Dlamini.

City officials have not yet provided a timeline for when the matter will be settled, but they have urged officers to return to work while discussions take place.

Impact on Motorists and Commuters

The protest has resulted in massive traffic congestion, particularly for those traveling between Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.

Commuters have been forced to find alternative routes, with some experiencing long delays on their way to work.

Social media has been flooded with complaints from frustrated motorists, many of whom are demanding that authorities act swiftly to clear the roads.

@TrafficAlertSA: “Total chaos on the R21! EMPD officers blocking the highway. No end in sight to the delays!”

@JoburgCommuter: “I’ve been stuck in traffic for over an hour because of this protest. This is unacceptable!”

Authorities Urge Motorists to Avoid the Area

In response to the gridlock, authorities have advised motorists to avoid the R21 highway and seek alternative routes until the protest is resolved.

Traffic officials are monitoring the situation and working to restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.

What Happens Next?

With the City of Ekurhuleni engaging in discussions to address the concerns raised by EMPD officers, it remains unclear whether the protest will escalate or come to an end soon.

In the meantime, motorists are encouraged to stay updated on traffic reports and plan their routes accordingly to avoid getting caught up in the disruptions.