The unrest started in the early hours on the N1 and the Makeleketla Road, which were barricaded with burning tyres, stones, and the branches of the trees.

Officials who were on the scene earlier advised road users travelling from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg to rather use the R30 road. The remains of the protests are reportedly now being cleared and the road may be used again.

The protesters’ discontent comes after a decision by the provincial government that an upcoming visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa will no longer be to Winburg. The statement has indicated that the new venue for the presidential visit will be at Botshabelo near Bloemfontein.

OFM News previously reported the reason the presidential visit has been changed, is because of an alleged water shortage in Winburg and the community members could use the event as an opportunity to protest. However, residents say they won't stop protesting until the venue change has been cancelled. They say they want to talk to the president about the challenges they face daily.

At least six people at Winburg have been arrested as a result of these protests on Friday morning. 

OFM News/Tumelo Khota and Blaine Jones