The R300 protest in Cape Town sparked major traffic disruption early this morning when protestors shut down the section of the highway between Jakes Gerwel Drive and AZ Berman Drive. Protesters used burning tyres and rubble to block both directions, forcing law enforcement to divert vehicles and leaving drivers stranded in heavy peak-hour traffic.
The protest began shortly before 07:00, with congestion building rapidly in the Mitchells Plain and Philippi areas. Thick smoke reduced visibility, and drivers struggled to reroute through suburban roads which are not designed for high volumes.
N2 Interchange Remained Open, But Drivers Had No Access
While the N2 interchange itself remained open, the ramp leading from the R300 was unreachable due to the protest. This left commuters travelling from Mitchells Plain and surrounding areas unable to connect to the freeway.
As motorists turned to alternate routes like Spine Road and Highlands Drive, traffic volumes surged. Taxi operators, delivery drivers, and school buses all experienced extended delays, causing further frustration for motorists.
AZ Berman Roadworks Left No Clear Exit
The timing of the protest coincided with ongoing MyCiTi roadworks on AZ Berman Drive, a major thoroughfare in the area. With both AZ Berman and the R300 affected, drivers found themselves stuck with no efficient exit from Mitchells Plain. The roadworks had already introduced lane restrictions and stop-go points, which worsened the situation.
Local road users noted that the stretch of the road had recently been resurfaced. They expressed concern that the heat and damage from burning tyres could undo recent upgrades.
Crash Spike Fuels Safety Warnings
As the R300 protest in Cape Town unfolded, emergency crews were also responding to traffic incidents nearby. A crash on the N2 inbound caused congestion, worsening delays for motorists already forced to divert due to the protest.
Traffic officials remain on high alert. They continue to monitor the protest zone and surrounding intersections while advising motorists to use live updates, delay travel if possible, and avoid affected areas.
