[3] The M53 begins in the Primrose suburb of Germiston, at a junction with the M14 route (Cydonia Road; Gorst Avenue).

It continues southwards to reach a junction with the M37 route (also named Johan Rissik Road), where it enters the Germiston City Centre.

The M53 reaches the suburb of Elsburg, where it meets the M39 route (Simon Bekker Street) at a roundabout.

It turns to the south-west and meets the R103 route (Old Heidelberg-Alberton Road) just west of the Rondebult suburb.

It continues south-west, separating Roodekop from Mapleton, to cross the N3 highway and enter the township of Vosloorus.