News24 | All you need to know about Joburg, Soweto traffic, road closures for Saturday’s rugby, soccer

This weekend, Johannesburg is set to be a hive of activity as two major sporting events light up the city.

• The city will host Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns in Soweto and the Springboks clash against Australia in New Doornfontein.
• Road closures and detours near Ellis Park and Orlando Stadium will begin from Friday night, spanning various key roads until late Saturday.
• Alternative routes, park-and-ride options and public transport are recommended to ease congestion.

This weekend, Johannesburg is set to be a hive of activity as two major sporting events light up the city.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the MTN8 semifinal clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in Soweto and the rugby showdown between the Springboks and Australia at Emirates Airline Park in New Doornfontein.

However, the excitement will come with traffic disruptions, road closures and significant crowding around key venues.

Authorities have urged fans and motorists to plan their routes, use public transportation and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure smooth navigation and an enjoyable weekend of sport.

These high-profile matches are expected to cause significant traffic disruptions across the city from as early as 06:00.

Rugby showdown

Traffic disruptions are set to occur around the Emirates Airline Park precinct (formerly known as Ellis Park Stadium) from 22:00 on Friday, 15 August, until 22:00 on Saturday, 16 August 2025.

The following roads will be impacted:

• Joe Slovo Drive

• Sivewright Avenue

• Currey Street

• Beit Street

• Siemert Street

• Charlton Terrace

• Van Beek Street

• Susie Street

• Bertrams Road

• Albertina Sisulu Road

• Saratoga Avenue

• Erin Street

• Miller Street

• Voorhout Street

• 4th Street

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The following intersections will be closed to traffic:

• Albertina Sisulu Street and Gous Street

• Albertina Sisulu Street and Dawe Street

• Albertina Sisulu Street and Princess Street

• Bertrams Street and Voorhout Street

• Bertrams Street and Fitzroy Street

• Bertrams Street and Erin Street

• Charlton Terrace and Van Beek Street

• Sivewright Street and Susie Street

• Sivewright Street and Currey Street

• Sivewright Street and Beit Street

• Upperail Street and Miller Street

• Siemert Street and Currey Street

• Beit Street and Dora Street

• Beit/Park Street and Erin Street

• Miller Street and 9th Street

• Miller Street and Park Street

• South Park Lane and 5th Street

• Miller Street and South Park Lane/4th Street

 Traffic guidance

Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the affected areas and plan alternative routes. Use of the M1 and M2 highways as alternatives is highly recommended.

To ease congestion, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla urged spectators to use the available alternative transport options instead of private vehicles.

“A dedicated park-and-ride system will be in operation, providing a hassle-free way to reach the stadium,” Fihla said.

 Park-and-ride details

The park-and-ride bus service will operate between 13:00 and 15:00, with return services running from 20:00. Buses will be available from the following locations:

  Shuttle and train services

Taxi shuttle services will operate from designated parking areas at Eastgate Mall and St John’s College in Houghton Estate.

The Gautrain will transport spectators from various stations to Park Station, from where Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa services will ferry them to Ellis Park Train Station.

E-hailing drop-off zones

Designated drop-off and pick-up zones for e-hailing service users will be in place at Umjantshi House on Wolmarans Street, Braamfontein, to ensure smooth traffic flow.

“We appeal to all road users to cooperate with traffic authorities, adhere to traffic regulations and exercise patience during this period,” Fihla said.

“We also urge motorists to familiarise themselves with the traffic management plan and allow extra travel time.”

Kick-off is at 17:10 on Saturday.

Soweto

Traffic disruptions are also expected in and around Orlando Stadium during the Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns match.

The JMPD will deploy officers to ensure safety and the smooth flow of traffic.

READ | Ouaddou’s promise to Pirates’ supporters: ‘We are going to sweat to bring happiness’

 Affected roads

The following routes will be impacted:

• N17

• Soweto Highway

• Klipspruit Valley Road

• Martha Louw Street

• Mooki Street

Additionally, street closures will include:

• Mooki Street (between Nkom Ya Hlaba and Masopha streets)

• Martha Louw Street (between Klipspruit Valley Road and Mooki Street)

• Adams and Rathebe streets near the YMCA

• Adams and Nzama streets

Alternative routes

Motorists can use the following alternative routes:

• From Mooki Street, Ballende and Masupa streets

• Soweto Highway and Klipspruit Valley Road

 Spectator parking

Parking for match spectators will be available at these locations:

Parking for VIPs, media and venue operating centre members has been arranged inside Orlando Stadium.

Times

Gates will open at 12:00, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00. Spectators are urged to arrive early to avoid congestion.