![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Protest-in-South-Africa.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe organisation argued that these additional expenses are becoming increasingly difficult for households and businesses to absorb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Africans can expect protests and possible road disruptions as a national shutdown over rising fuel prices gets underway on Monday, 19 October 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The N12 freeway near Lenasia has already been closed in both directions due to protests in the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shutdown has been called by Concerned Citizens of South Africa, which has demanded significant reductions in fuel prices and the removal or reduction of certain taxes and levies included in the pump price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ntokozo Mkhize, a representative of the organisation, said it had submitted a memorandum of demands to the government and various officials on 10 October and was still awaiting a response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mkhize confirmed that the organisation had received reports from provincial organisers of activity on major roads, including the N12 near Lenasia, although it could not provide a comprehensive list of affected areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) confirmed that the N12 between Abu Baker Asvat Drive and K43 Klipspruit Valley Road had been closed in both directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla urged motorists to avoid the affected section and use alternative routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMotorists are strongly advised to utilise alternative routes, such as R554 Nirvana Drive, the Golden Highway R553, Chris Hani Road, Main Road, which goes through Soweto and Eldorado Park, and Impala Road,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFurther updates will be issued as JMPD officers work to clear the area and safely reopen the freeway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mkhize said the shutdown was intended to force the government to address the financial pressure caused by rising fuel costs, which he argued affected virtually every household, including those without vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEven if you don’t own any car, when you go to a retail store to buy groceries, you will definitely see changes which negatively affect you as an ordinary citizen,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higher fuel prices increase the cost of transporting goods, which can ultimately push up prices for food and other essentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe organisation argued that these additional expenses are becoming increasingly difficult for households and businesses to absorb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n