Anti-capitalists, climate activists, women’s rights advocates, and anti-migrant groups plan demonstrations highlighting poverty and inequality in South Africa.
South African police and army displayed their strength on Wednesday with helicopters, K-9 units, and officers on motorcycles before anticipated protests.
Authorities deployed 3,500 extra police officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said officials expect protests in Johannesburg and other major cities.
She confirmed authorities will protect the right to protest while enforcing legal limits.
Police designated specific areas near the summit venue for demonstrators to gather, next to the country’s largest soccer stadium.
Airports Company South Africa created “speakers’ corners” in airports, where security will escort demonstrators if they protest during world leaders’ arrivals.
Anti-capitalist, climate, women’s rights, and anti-migrant groups aim to use the summit to draw attention to domestic issues.
Solidarity, a trade union representing Afrikaner minorities, sparked debate with billboards claiming South Africa is the “most RACE-REGULATED country in the world.”
City authorities removed one billboard, and the union threatened legal action.
The billboards reference affirmative action laws supporting Black South Africans and have caused diplomatic tension with the United States.
President Donald Trump will boycott the summit, claiming the Black-led government enforces anti-white policies and targets Afrikaners.
Experts widely reject Trump’s accusations, but his boycott could undermine the first G20 summit held in Africa.
Women for Change calls for a national work boycott on Friday to protest high rates of femicide and gender violence.
They argue the country cannot discuss growth while a woman dies every 2.5 hours.
An anti-immigration group plans to protest unemployment and poverty, citing South Africa’s 31% jobless rate.
A coalition addressing climate change and inequality will host an alternative summit in Johannesburg, claiming the G20 serves only the wealthy.
Security Measures and City Preparations
Johannesburg authorities launched a major cleanup and repair campaign to fix broken infrastructure before the summit.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the effort last week, working in green overalls in Soweto, a few miles from the summit site.
Residents criticized the multi-million-dollar operation for a two-day summit, citing long-term problems like broken streetlights, potholed roads, and unreliable water and electricity.
Johannesburg resident Lerato Lelusa said the summit will not benefit ordinary citizens and will waste taxpayer money.
Global Leaders Arrive
The summit opens on Saturday, attracting leaders and diplomats from over 40 countries.
Major global institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organisation, will participate.
The city expects a mix of official meetings, protests, and public attention throughout the two-day event.
