The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has reassured residents that they are aware of the concerns raised over two major events scheduled for September 21, which will use the same route through Ward 132.

The alert came after Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe discovered that the DStv Delicious Festival, which will draw attendees to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, and the Waterfall City Half-Marathon, expected to involve about 7 000 runners, are both planned for the same day, and will generate traffic on Allandale Road and the R55.

“The city did not alert me to this scheduling conflict,” Deppe said. “It only became apparent when I realised both events were planned for the same day, and would affect the same routes.

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“My concern is that proceeding with both events will lead to conflicts among cars, pedestrians, walkers, and runners. This will require a significant deployment of JMPD personnel from across Johannesburg to manage the situation in Ward 132.”

On raising the issue with the city’s Joint Operations Centre (JOC), Deppe said the JOC initially appeared unaware that both events would affect the same route. She said the JOC has since told her it will inform event organisers, consult with the provincial JMPD JOC, and provide further feedback.

JMPD’s Xolani Fihla has confirmed that they are aware of both events, and will deploy personnel to manage, monitor, and regulate traffic to ensure the safety of all road users on the day.

“While the events fall on the same day, they do not overlap in timing. We will assist with traffic management for the marathon in the morning, and remain on duty to regulate traffic for the festival later in the day.”

Fihla said event timings show the two gatherings do not overlap. He said the half-marathon is scheduled for 06:00–09:00, while the festival’s programme begins later in the day.

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Despite follow-ups, and stressing the urgency of the matter, the city’s Nthatisi Modingoane did not respond when reached out to for comment.

However, Fihla emphasised that the City of Johannesburg’s JOC remains responsible for ensuring all events are safe and compliant with city regulations.

“To ensure better co-ordination for future events, the JOC is tasked with mitigating risks and has specific procedures in place. Event organisers are required to present their plans to the JOC at least two weeks before the event, and the JOC meets weekly to assess these plans and ensure they comply with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010.”

Residents in Ward 132 have been urged to expect disruptions on Allandale Road and the R55 on Sunday, and to monitor updates from the JOC and JMPD as organisers, and authorities, finalise traffic-management arrangements.

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