Tshwane traffic alerts: EFF march and AAD event to disrupt roads on Friday

Traffic authorities in Tshwane have warned motorists of significant disruption on Friday, 18 September 2026, as an EFF march through the CBD coincides with road closures around Air Force Base Waterkloof for the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show.

What to expect in the CBD

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) planned a march on Friday, 18 September 2026, gathering at the Old Putco Depot on the corner of Cowie and Struben streets and proceeding towards the Department of Higher Education and Training at 123 Francis Baard Street. Roads were expected to be affected from approximately 09:00, with the march forecast to disperse at 13:00.

TMPD spokesperson Isaac Mahamba said:

“We expect the march to disperse at 1pm, but until then, motorists must brace for heavy congestion and delays.”

The source named specific streets linked to the march: Cowie Street, Struben Street, the route toward Francis Baard Street and the CBD area around 123 Francis Baard Street. The article noted it did not reproduce a complete, itemised list of every road closure and advised consulting the full TMPD schedule for additional cross-streets.

Closures around Air Force Base Waterkloof (AAD)

The Africa Aerospace and Defence show was listed as running from 17–20 September 2026. Road closures for the event around Air Force Base Waterkloof, Centurion were reported to be in force daily from 04:00–16:00, including Friday 18 September.

The article confirmed a selection of alternative routes to use around Centurion: Rigel Avenue, Botha Avenue, Van Ryneveld Avenue (M27), Nellmapius Drive (M31), Trichardt Road and Veldpou Street. It also said the extract did not provide the complete formal road-by-road closure list.

TMPD advice to motorists

Mahamba gave the following guidance:

“The public must take note – this march will affect movement in the CBD. Plan ahead, avoid affected streets, and cooperate with officers on duty.”

On the AAD closures he said:

“We urge motorists to plan ahead and use alternative routes. Officers from TMPD and SAPS will be deployed to monitor all affected streets and ensure public safety.”

The article also quoted Mahamba saying:

“AAD is a major international event, and we are committed to balancing safety, traffic flow, and public convenience.”

Practical takeaways

• Expect heavy congestion and delays in the CBD from about 09:00 until the march disperses.
• Road closures around Air Force Base Waterkloof apply daily from 04:00–16:00 during the AAD show (17–20 September 2026).
• Use the listed Centurion diversion routes where applicable and follow directions from TMPD and SAPS officers.

Important verification note: The source article was the basis for these details. It did not reproduce complete, itemised closure lists for either the EFF march or the AAD event; the full TMPD closure schedule should be consulted for additional streets and cross-streets.