By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Inspired by Cape Town’s Bree Street Sundays, the City of Johannesburg said on Thursday it will stage its first Open Streets Sunday, closing part of Main Street in Marshalltown to vehicles for a day of pedestrian-focused activities.
The city said the closure will apply to Main Street between Ntemi Piliso and Rissik streets in the Johannesburg CBD, with the route opened to pedestrians and residents instead of normal vehicle traffic.
Activities the day include walking, cycling, skateboarding, family-focused programming and cultural events.
Designated zones will include children’s activities, sports, arts and music performances, as well as a food court at Gandhi Square, according to the city.
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“Open streets are community-based programmes that temporarily close selected streets to vehicles, allowing people to use these spaces for various activities. This initiative supports local businesses and community organisations, creating a space for the public to discover their city, engage and participate in various activities that build a sense of community and belonging without bothering about cars,” said Joburg MMC for Transport, Kenny Kunene.
The initiative is being run in partnership with Jozi My Jozi, Young Urbanists NPC, the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership and Johannesburg In Your Pocket.
The latter has said the event is a civic experiment rather than a conventional festival, and added the concept draws from Cape Town’s Bree Street Sundays while being adapted to Johannesburg’s own context.
Joburg Executive Director of Transport Lutando Maboza said the event reflected the kind of city the municipality wanted to build.
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“Open Streets on Main Street represents the kind of city we are working to build in Johannesburg — one that prioritises people, safe public space, and active mobility. By opening our streets to walking, cycling, and community life, we are demonstrating how transport infrastructure can support healthier, more inclusive, and vibrant neighbourhoods,” he said.
The city said the initiative also forms part of its campaign to encourage tolerance among pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and informal traders.
Kunene urged inner-city residents and visitors from other parts of Johannesburg to use the day to walk the route, visit art exhibitions and book stalls, and enjoy live music and skating.
“There will be ample security and street marshalls along the route,” the city said.