[2] The R53 begins in Swartruggens, North West province, at a junction with the N4 national route (Platinum Highway).

It enters as Louis le Grange Street and becomes Chief Albert Luthuli Drive eastwards.

At the Walter Sisulu Lane junction, the R53 is joined by the R501 route and at the next t-junction, the R53/R501 becomes Govan Mbeki Drive southwards.

At the junction after Trim Park, the R53 leaves Govan Mbeki Drive and becomes James Moroka Lane eastwards.

The R53 becomes the road southwards and proceeds to cross the Vaal River into the Free State province and the town of Parys as Van Coller Street.