Johannesburg – The Golden Highway was reopened on Tuesday after residents of Lehae township, south of Johannesburg, blockaded it with rocks earlier, metro police said.

The highway was reopened around noon after the rocks and stones had been removed, spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said.

“Traffic is flowing but there is still a very heavy police presence.”

He said some of the protesters were still in the area.

The protest started before 05:00.

Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo condemned it, called on police to stabilise the area and to act against those responsible.

“There is no reason for this type of unlawful protest in this area. Lehae has been receiving attention by government in terms of housing and other services.”

Mamabolo said he was open to discussions with residents of the area, near Lenasia.

“I have established a task team to investigate the issues surrounding the protests and to engage in talks with the community.”

Mixed income development plans for the area included building 5 344 housing units, of which 3 066 would be RDP houses, 770 rental units and 1 508 bonded units, he said.

Six community centres, two secondary schools, two primary schools, four crèches, eight sites for religious institutions, two taxi ranks, four business sites and 38 public open spaces were part of the plan, Mamabolo said.

His office could not immediately say when this would be implemented.

– SAPA