Joburg Ready To Host Bokke And Wallabies At Ellis Park This Weekend
Johannesburg, 14 August 2025 – One year on from hosting another electrifying clash, the City of Joburg is once again primed to welcome the world as the Bokke face off against the Wallabies this Saturday, 16 August, at 17:00. This match marks the beginning of South Africa’s defence of their Rugby Championship title, with Ellis Park Stadium hosting the first of two home tests against Australia.
“With an almost sold-out stadium and 62,000 local and international rugby fans—many flying in from Australia—we are ready and excited to be hosting another top-class international rugby match under the glorious Jozi night sky,” says Stephen du Preez, founder of LocalAbode and Jozi My Jozi (JMJ) project lead for the Urban East District Alliance.
Supporters are encouraged to arrive well before kick-off to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere featuring a beer garden, live music, and a wide variety of food. Entertainment will continue after the match, turning the precinct into a post-game celebration hub.
Preparation this year has been markedly easier thanks to the groundwork laid ahead of last year’s All Blacks test. Over the past 12 months, efforts have focused on maintenance and sustainability to preserve the precinct’s high standard.
Transport And Access
In the spirit of collaboration, the city’s transport services are joining forces to ensure efficient and safe access to the stadium, with organisers discouraging the use of private vehicles to reduce congestion.
“There are a number of transport options to get to the stadium,” du Preez explains. “The one we most recommend, and which worked exceptionally well last year, is the partnership between Gautrain and PRASA. Catch the Gautrain to Park Station, follow the signs, and board the new PRASA trains that take you directly to the stadium, both before and after the game.”
The journey from Park Station to Ellis Park takes under ten minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes from 11:00 on match day. The last train from Ellis Park departs at 21:00, and the final Gautrain leaves Park Station at 21:15. Both services will increase capacity to meet demand.
Additional options include e-hailing services dropping fans at Park Station for onward train travel and Park and Ride facilities at select shopping centres and schools, with buses ferrying ticketholders directly to and from the stadium. Only vehicles and buses with prior arrangements will be permitted to park near the stadium.
Safety And Security Measures
Traffic and law enforcement agencies will coordinate to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles and pedestrians while safeguarding residents and visitors.
“Match day safety is paramount,” du Preez notes. “SAPS, Metro Police, and private security firms have finalised a joint security plan to ensure supporter safety throughout the precinct.”
The collaboration between the City of Joburg, JMJ, Urban East Alliance, and stadium organisers has maintained the precinct’s quality year-round, celebrating the stadium’s legacy and history. This includes additional solar streetlights installed by JMJ, checks on all lighting by City Power, and ongoing cleaning by a private contractor in cooperation with Pikitup.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has partnered with JMJ to address road defects around the stadium, complementing its regular maintenance work.
“It’s encouraging to see the results when diverse parties unite for a common goal,” says du Preez. “This is not a one-day effort — the area will continue to be clean, well-lit, and secure thanks to our partnerships with the City of Joburg, stakeholders, and corporate partners.”
Du Preez emphasises that while Saturday will see the precinct buzzing with green and gold, the real story lies in the months of preparation and the ongoing commitment to maintaining the area.
“We all need to become active citizens and work together to ensure areas like this across the inner city are safe, clean, and welcoming. That’s how we draw people back to experience the best of Jozi My Jozi,” he concludes.
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