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Commuters and transport operators say Nasrec lockdown is affecting travel around the area.
Many commuters have been left frustrated by the road closures around Johannesburg for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. They say the road closures have led to difficulties in accessing public transport and delays in travel times.
Hundreds of delegates and over 40 heads of state are attending the summit – the first in Africa at the Nasrec Expo Centre, in Johannesburg this weekend.
Commuters across Johannesburg say the G20 Summit has come with an unexpected cost and has affected their ability to move around the city.
Taxi operators and public transport users say the lockdown measures around the Nasrec area have affected their travels.
“I’m actually going to Riverlea and I can’t find taxis going there. Even Uber is expensive. I wish they had communicated with us and taxi operators to find alternative ways for us to reach our destination,” says a commuter.
“Community members are really struggling because they don’t have transport now. We can’t take them to their destinations due to the road closures, and we don’t even understand how this G20 is supposed to help us,” adds a transporter.
WATCH | Rob Bryne reports on traffic updates and road closures ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa. #SABCNewsG20 pic.twitter.com/TT302kk5tB
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 22, 2025
As the hard lockdown continues to be intensified around the Nasrec precinct, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson, Xolani Fihla, says heavy security protocols have been put in place for the duration of the summit.
“Within the Nasrec precinct, a full lockdown was implemented from yesterday and certain routes have been completely blocked off. That’s the Golden Highway next to the Johannesburg Expo Centre. A portion of Randshow road is completely blocked off,” says Fihla.
VIDEO | G20 Leaders’ Summit | Xolani Fihla on traffic disruptions as delegates make their way to Nasrec
WATCH | Traffic restrictions and road closures are in place for the G20 Summit, with motorists urged to expect delays and use alternative routes. SABC News reporter Lerato Makola is standing by with an update on what to expect. #SABCNewsG20 pic.twitter.com/F9N4zduMQA
— SABC News (@SABCNews) November 22, 2025
Tourism
With thousands of delegates in the country, local tourism and hospitality sectors are reporting a temporary boost.
Sakhumzi Marketing Manager, Lebo Makola, says the Summit has brought in more customers and increased their revenue.
“Coming in at a good time and for us as a business, it has helped us a lot because we have seen a high increase in foot traffic. We thank our President Ramaphosa for being the driver behind the country and pushing the initiative for G20 should come to South Africa. All the world leaders, when they come to South Africa, look forward to learning about the history of our country. Some have also visited our family restaurant here. They came in to see for themselves if it’s all really what they have heard about. They came in have enjoyed themselves,” says Makola.
Meanwhile, the road closures are expected to remain in effect until the end of the summit and authorities are urging the public to use alternative routes.
RELATED VIDEO | G20 Summit road closures and alternative routes
