By Paola Verouden, Lebogang Seale and Laura Lopez Gonzalez
The carnival's in town to greet the new year - so expect some swinging in the streets.
And for those Joburgers who love the city during the festive season - because it is so empty - there will be plenty of room to dance. But be warned - the police will be out in force.
Gauteng police spokesperson Eugene Opperman said there would be intensified police efforts, including roadblocks, high-visibility patrols and raids at identified premises throughout Joburg, especially Hillbrow.
"These police actions have been implemented in the interest of public safety and the protection of life and property. We want high visibility and we want the residents of Hillbrow and visitors to that area to know we are there.
"Criminals and those who show antisocial behaviour over the festive season must know that we will enforce the law," said Opperman.
There would also be road closures in and around Hillbrow - traditionally one of the trouble hotspots during New Year's Eve celebrations, he said.
And emergency services have pleaded with the public to play it safe.
Netcare 911 spokesperson Mark Stokoe said: "If people stick to the laws and the speed limits and use common sense it would make a huge difference. If possible, try to sleep over where you'll be or to get a designated driver."
But drinking causes more than accidents, it leads to violence, according to Stokoe.
"We go to shootings, stabbings and assaults In the end, it was probably the alcohol that led to it all."
Joburg's annual carnival is expected to attract about 2 000 revellers. The event will start in Kotze Street, Hillbrow, at 2pm and will wind its way through sites such as Constitution Hill.
Accompanied by various choirs and bands, street performers, musicians and DJs, revellers will go over the Nelson Mandela Bridge before ending their journey in Newtown Park, opposite the Bassline.
Aptly named "Nyakaza-Joburg unplugged", the main aim of the carnival is to highlight the transformation of Joburg's inner city and surrounding suburbs such as Hillbrow and Newtown.
Steve Sack, Joburg's arts, culture and heritage services director, said the carnival would hopefully discourage the crime and vandalism that often mars the occasion.
Bree and Jeppe streets will be blocked off from 2pm, Joburg metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said.
The City of Johannesburg and SABC 2 are hosting a mega-New Year's bash on Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown. It will start at 6pm and end at 2am.
Artists like Oliver Mtukudzi, Mango Groove, Malaika, Gang of Instrumentals, Coda and many more will entertain the crowds. There will be only a couple of access points - on the corners of Bree, Jeppe, Miriam Makeba and Henry Nxumalo streets.