Which Johannesburg roads will be closed for the G20 Summit 2025?

As Johannesburg prepares to host the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit at Nasrec on 22 and 23 November, residents and commuters are being warned about significant traffic disruptions across the city and surrounding regions. The influx of international delegates and heightened security measures will necessitate temporary closures and traffic reroutes across major national, regional, and urban routes, starting from 18 November 2025.

Key National and Regional Routes Impacted

Authorities have highlighted that motorists should expect delays along major highways, including:

• N1, N3, N12, M1, R21, and R24 — especially routes leading to OR Tambo International Airport and central Johannesburg.

These closures will coincide with ongoing security operations and event logistics, though ACSA has confirmed that flight operations at OR Tambo will remain unaffected.

Urban and Suburban Disruptions

Several city and suburban streets will experience temporary restrictions or full closures:

Sandton: 5th Street, Maude Street, Daisy Street, Rivonia Road, Grayston Drive, Katherine Street
Melrose Arch: Whitely Road, Melrose Boulevard, Atholl/Oaklands Road
Rosebank, Westcliff, Parkview: Oxford Road, Glenhove Road, Jan Smuts Avenue
Fourways: Winnie Mandela Drive
Roodepoort: Hendrik Potgieter Road
Nasrec Precinct: Rand Show Road, Boysens Reserve Road, Nasrec Road, Golden Highway

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla noted that major roads within the Nasrec precinct will see significant closures starting 19 November, particularly around the Golden Highway and Nasrec Road. Full closures include:

• Golden Highway between Rand Show Road and Soweto Highway

• Nasrec Road between Rand Show Road and Shaft 17 Road

• Booysens Reserve Road with limited access for official vehicles

Some roads will experience temporary restrictions or partial closures to facilitate the movement of convoys and event personnel. Fihla indicated that these disruptions are expected mainly between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM on the 22nd and 23rd of November.

OR Tambo International Airport Adjustments

To accommodate summit logistics, ACSA announced temporary changes around the airport:

• Cargo Road closed, with access rerouted via Voortrekker Road to the SAA Cargo area

• Arrivals Road closed, directing all passenger traffic to Parkade 2 North and South

• Short-term parking (Piazza) fully closed

While these measures are temporary, travelers are advised to plan for delays and follow signage or official instructions.

Wider Impact on Johannesburg and Surrounding Areas

The traffic adjustments will not be limited to Nasrec. Commuters in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and other parts of Johannesburg should anticipate disruptions along arterial routes as security and operations ramp up. Fihla urges patience, emphasizing that closures outside Nasrec are periodic and designed to minimize disruption while ensuring safety.

Economic Implications of the G20 Summit

Beyond road closures, the summit is expected to provide a boost to South Africa’s economy. Berry Everitt, CEO of Chas Everitt International, described the G20 as a “powerful showcase” for tourism and real estate. Major international events historically increase visitor numbers, attract investment, and create employment opportunities. StatsSA data reveals that 7.6 million international visitors have arrived in South Africa from January to September 2025, marking an increase of 1.1 million over 2024.

Everitt notes that tourism drives direct and indirect employment, which in turn stimulates the property market as residents gain disposable income to rent or buy homes. The G20 summit, along with related B20 business events in Sandton, highlights the city’s growing prominence as a global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub.

FAQ

Q: When will the G20-related road closures start in Johannesburg?
A: From 18 November 2025, with major closures around Nasrec starting 19 November.

Q: Which major highways will be affected?
A: N1, N3, N12, M1, R21, and R24, including access roads to OR Tambo International Airport.

Q: Will flights at OR Tambo be disrupted?
A: No, ACSA has confirmed that flight operations will continue as normal.

Q: What local streets in Johannesburg will be affected?
A: Roads in Sandton, Melrose Arch, Rosebank, Westcliff, Parkview, Fourways, Roodepoort, and the Nasrec precinct will experience closures or restrictions.

Q: How long will road closures last?
A: Closures within the Nasrec precinct are expected from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM on 22–23 November, while other closures are periodic and temporary.