Smit Street is a significant thoroughfare in Braamfontein, the bustling commercial and student hub just north of Johannesburg’s city centre. More than just a road, it serves as a historic corridor, a business address, and a vital transport link. This guide provides everything you need to know about navigating Smit Street in 2026, from its evolving safety landscape to its cultural significance and practical amenities.

Smit Street Johannesburg: Business, Safety & What To Know

Quick Reference

Location: Braamfontein, Johannesburg (connects to the M1 highway and runs parallel to key streets like Jorissen and De Korte)
Key Landmarks: 22 Solomon Street heritage site, the Smit Street under M1 Bridge, Regus Coworking Space at 222 Smit Street
Safety Context: High crime perception in Johannesburg (crime index 80.8), but Braamfontein is a busy, structured area with active foot traffic during the day
Business Profile: Prime commercial location with coworking spaces, proximity to Wits University and corporate headquarters
Cultural Significance: Historic migrant labour compounds, street art hub, graffiti gallery
Access: Walkable from the Braamfontein Gautrain Station, key bus and taxi routes

1. Location and Context

Smit Street runs through the heart of Braamfontein, one of Johannesburg’s most dynamic and densely populated precincts. Located immediately north of the city centre, Braamfontein is a unique blend of student energy, corporate presence, and urban grit. It is home to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), the Constitutional Court, and numerous businesses, making it a constant hive of activity.

Smit Street serves as a critical connector. It runs parallel to other major Braamfontein arteries like Jorissen Street and De Korte Street, linking the eastern parts of the neighbourhood to the M1 highway and the western suburbs of Brixton and Auckland Park. It is also the location of a key underpass beneath the M1 highway.

Getting There:

Ride-hailing services (Uber/Bolt) are the most convenient and recommended.
Public transport: The Braamfontein Gautrain Station is within walking distance, linking to Sandton, OR Tambo Airport, and Pretoria.
Minibus taxis: Many routes pass through Melle and Jorissen Streets, which intersect with Smit.

2. Business and Commercial Hub

Smit Street is a recognised commercial address, particularly for businesses seeking a central location close to Johannesburg’s legal, financial, and educational institutions.

Regus – Johannesburg, Braamfontein (222 Smit Street):

Corporate coworking space in a prime location
Amenities: parking, temperature control, business lounge
Positioned near financial, real estate, and IT companies

Proximity to Key Institutions:

Wits University (major employer, student traffic)
Constitution Hill (tourist and legal landmark)
Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court (judicial hub)

22 Solomon Street – Historic Business Site:

Former municipal compound housing migrant workers employed by the City Engineer’s Department
Now serves as the head office for Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services
Heritage site reflecting the city’s labour history

3. Safety and Security on Smit Street

Safety is a primary concern for anyone visiting or working in central Johannesburg. The 2026 data presents a nuanced picture: while crime rates remain high, there are positive trends, and Braamfontein benefits from being a busy, structured environment.

The 2026 Crime Context

Johannesburg crime index: 80.8
Safety score: 19.2
Gauteng overall crime dropped 7.6% in Q3 2025
Johannesburg still accounts for 38% of contact crimes in the province

Key Crime Trends (2025–2026)

Murder: –11.8% (down). Jeppe and Johannesburg Central stations remain in the national top 10.
Sexual Offences: –8% (down). Rape declined 7%, though home environments remain the most common location.
Robbery: –6.3% (down). Both residential and non-residential robbery declined.
Carjacking: –0.9% (minor drop). Still high, with hotspots in Alexandra and Kempton Park.
Kidnapping: +2.1% (increase). Many linked to hijackings and attempts.
Attempted Murder: +6.5% (increase). The only violent category to rise significantly.

Safety Assessment for Smit Street

Daytime: Generally safe. Busy with students, workers, and shoppers. High foot traffic acts as a deterrent to petty crime.
Evening: Caution advised. Safer to travel in groups, use ride-hailing, and stick to well-lit, populated streets like Jorissen and Juta. Avoid walking alone near the M1 underpass late at night.

Practical Safety Tips

Stay aware: Keep phone and valuables out of sight.
Use ride-hailing: Uber/Bolt recommended, especially at night.
Trust instincts: If a street feels deserted, take a busier route.
Emergency numbers: Save Braamfontein SAPS and a private security company’s number.

4. What to See and Do on and Around Smit Street

Beyond its business function, Smit Street is a cultural artery, rich in street art and close to major attractions.

Street Art and Graffiti:

Braamfontein is considered the street art capital of sub-Saharan Africa.
Smit Street features vibrant murals and graffiti.
Key landmarks:
- Shepard Fairey’s Mandela mural (“The Purple Shall Govern”)
- Falko’s Elephant murals
- Corner of Viljoen and Smit Street marked by notable street art, near Neighbourgoods Market, Bannister Hotel, and Gautrain Station

Neighbourgoods Market:

Located on Juta Street, a short walk from Smit Street
Open Saturdays
Offers gourmet food, craft beer, fashion, and social atmosphere

Braamfontein Cemetery:

Accessible via Smit Street (turn onto Graaf Street)
Resting place of notable figures
Includes section dedicated to Canadian soldiers from the World Wars

22 Solomon Street Heritage Site:

Off Smit Street
Former municipal compound housing migrant workers
Now headquarters for Johannesburg’s Library and Information Services
Preserved as a heritage site

5. Recent Developments and Infrastructure

Smit Street Under M1 Bridge:

Reopened June 2024 after closure due to a tunnel fire in May 2024
Fire damaged City Power infrastructure
Repairs completed, but far-left lane remains closed as precaution
Critical link for traffic between city centre and western suburbs

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to walk on Smit Street during the day?
Yes, generally safe with high foot traffic. Stay vigilant and secure valuables.
How dangerous is Johannesburg in 2026?
Ranked 5th most dangerous city globally (Numbeo). Violent crime, carjacking, and theft remain concerns, though overall crime dropped slightly.
Best way to get to Smit Street?
Ride-hailing (Uber/Bolt) recommended. Braamfontein Gautrain Station within walking distance.
What is the Smit Street underpass and why was it closed?
Underpass beneath M1 highway closed after May 2024 fire damaging electrical infrastructure. Reopened but repairs ongoing.
Historical sites on Smit Street?
22 Solomon Street, a preserved municipal compound, now a heritage site.
Is there a Gautrain station near Smit Street?
Yes, Braamfontein Gautrain Station is 5–10 minutes’ walk from the lower end of Smit Street.
What is there to do nearby?
Neighbourgoods Market, street art tours, Origins Centre Museum at Wits, Braamfontein Cemetery.

Conclusion

Smit Street is a microcosm of Johannesburg: a place where business ambition, historical weight, and urban energy intersect. It is a commercial address, a historic corridor, and an open-air art gallery. For those who navigate it with awareness—using its amenities and respecting its layered history—it offers a genuine experience of the city’s beating heart. Whether you’re working at Regus, exploring 22 Solomon Street, or admiring street art, understanding the safety context and logistics is key to making the most of this dynamic thoroughfare in 2026.

*Note: All information is current as of March 2026. Safety perceptions and crime statistics are based on recent data, but conditions can change. Always exercise personal vigilance and check for the latest local advice.*