Anti-capitalists, climate advocates, women’s rights activists, and anti-migrant groups plan demonstrations, highlighting South Africa’s poverty and inequality.
South African police and army paraded on Wednesday using helicopters, K-9 units, and motorcycle officers to display authority before expected protests.
Authorities deployed 3,500 extra police officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
This structure unites police, army, and intelligence services under a single command to secure major events.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili told reporters that officials expect protests in Johannesburg and other major cities.
She confirmed authorities will allow protests but within legal limits.
Police assigned specific zones for demonstrators near the summit venue, next to the country’s largest soccer stadium.
Airports Company South Africa created “speakers’ corners” at international airports, and security will escort demonstrators there if protests occur during leaders’ arrivals.
A trade union representing Afrikaner minority members sparked controversy by erecting billboards declaring: “Welcome to the most RACE-REGULATED country in the world.”
City authorities removed one billboard, prompting the union Solidarity to threaten legal action.
The billboards reference affirmative action laws that support Black South Africans and have triggered diplomatic tension with the United States.
President Donald Trump announced he will boycott the G20 summit, citing claims of anti-white policies and persecution of Afrikaners.
Officials and observers widely dismiss these claims as unfounded, but the US boycott threatens the first African G20 summit.
Women for Change is calling for a national shutdown on Friday, urging women to skip work to protest gender-based violence.
The organisation stresses that South Africa cannot discuss growth while it buries a woman every 2.5 hours.
An anti-immigration group plans protests against unemployment and poverty, pointing to the country’s 31% jobless rate.
A coalition protesting climate change and wealth inequality will hold an alternative summit in Johannesburg, claiming the G20 only serves the rich.
City Preparations and Public Reactions
Johannesburg authorities launched a major cleanup and repair effort ahead of the summit to fix broken infrastructure.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the operation, working in green overalls in Soweto, near the summit site.
Residents criticize the multi-million-dollar project, noting long-standing issues with broken streetlights, potholes, and unreliable services.
Johannesburg resident Lerato Lelusa said hosting the G20 will not benefit ordinary citizens and will waste money.
Global Leaders Arrive for Summit
The two-day summit opens Saturday, hosting leaders and top diplomats from more than 40 nations.
Global institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organisation, will attend.
Officials expect intense diplomatic discussions, while protests continue in different parts of the city.
