Anti-capitalists, climate campaigners, women’s rights advocates, and anti-migrant groups plan protests highlighting poverty and inequality in South Africa.
Police and army paraded on Wednesday using helicopters, K-9 teams, and motorbikes to demonstrate force before the G20 summit in Johannesburg.
Authorities deployed 3,500 additional officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili told reporters that protests will likely occur in Johannesburg and other major cities.
She confirmed authorities will allow protests but enforce laws and follow proper guidelines.
Police designated specific areas for protesters near the summit venue beside South Africa’s largest soccer stadium.
Airports Company South Africa created “speakers’ corners” at main airports, and security will escort demonstrators there during world leaders’ arrivals.
A trade union representing Afrikaner minority members sparked controversy with billboards stating: “Welcome to the most RACE-REGULATED country in the world.”
City authorities removed one billboard, and Solidarity threatened legal action in response.
The billboards refer to affirmative action laws supporting Black South Africans and have fueled diplomatic tensions with the United States.
President Donald Trump plans to boycott the summit, claiming the Black-led government enforces anti-white policies and targets Afrikaners.
Authorities reject Trump’s claims, but the US boycott could weaken the first G20 summit held in Africa.
Women for Change plans a national shutdown on Friday, urging women to skip work to protest high femicide and gender-based violence.
The group stated that South Africa cannot claim progress while a woman dies every 2.5 hours.
An anti-immigration group will protest unemployment and poverty, citing South Africa’s 31% jobless rate.
Climate and inequality groups will hold an alternative summit starting Thursday, criticizing the G20 as benefiting the wealthy.
City Security and Infrastructure Efforts
Johannesburg authorities launched a major cleanup and repair campaign ahead of the summit to fix failing infrastructure.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the effort last week, working in green overalls in Soweto near the summit site.
Residents expressed skepticism, noting broken streetlights, potholed roads, and unreliable water and electricity services.
Johannesburg resident Lerato Lelusa criticized the summit, saying it will waste public money without helping ordinary citizens.
Global Leaders Arrive
The two-day summit opens Saturday, drawing leaders and senior diplomats from over 40 countries.
The United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization will also attend.
Officials expect the event to attract attention and coordination from multiple global institutions.
