Joburg south residents shut down Swartkoppies Road when they gathered to protest this morning, October 5.

The protest follows an urgent meeting that was called on the evening of October 4 with the residents of Ward 125 and surrounding areas.

It is alleged that the City of Johannesburg was handed a court order to find Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA) for the people who previously occupied the current burnt building in Marshalltown.

Residents are protesting on the site to prevent the emergence of the informal settlement as a plan of action.

Speaking to the Southern Courier from the scene, Ward 125 Councillor Matsobane Sekhu said so far the protest is peaceful and non-violent.

Swartkoppies Road closed due to protest action pic.twitter.com/qqgYBKirJR

— Southern Courier SA (@courier_sa) October 5, 2023

“An official called and informed me that the emergence of informal settlement has been called off. I am waiting for feedback from the officials to come and address the residents about the situation,” said Sekhu.

Sekhu said the community is not willing to go anywhere until they are addressed by the City of Johannesburg that the project is no longer taking place.

As a result, it is unclear when the road will be reopened for traffic. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department is on scene monitoring the situation.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes.

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MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene on the emergence of informal settlement on Swartkoppies site… pic.twitter.com/NMKiIf9v9c

— Southern Courier SA (@courier_sa) October 5, 2023