Anti-capitalists, climate activists, women’s rights advocates, and anti-migrant groups plan demonstrations highlighting poverty and inequality in South Africa.
Police and army staged a parade Wednesday using helicopters, K-9 units, and motorcycle officers to signal readiness before the G20 summit.
Authorities deployed 3,500 extra police officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure for event security.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili told reporters they expect protests in Johannesburg and other major cities.
She stated authorities will protect the right to protest while enforcing legal limits.
Police assigned specific gathering zones near the summit venue, next to South Africa’s largest soccer stadium.
Airports Company South Africa established “speakers’ corners” in airports, where security will guide demonstrators if protests occur during world leaders’ arrivals.
Demonstrators include anti-capitalists, climate defenders, women’s rights groups, and anti-migrant organisations drawing attention to inequality and poverty.
The Afrikaner trade union Solidarity sparked debate by erecting billboards across Johannesburg stating, “Welcome to the most RACE-REGULATED country in the world.”
City officials removed one billboard, prompting Solidarity to threaten legal action.
The billboards reference affirmative action laws supporting Black South Africans and contribute to diplomatic tensions with the United States.
President Donald Trump will boycott the summit, claiming South Africa’s government enforces anti-white policies and persecutes Afrikaners.
Experts widely reject his claims, yet the US boycott could weaken the first G20 summit in Africa.
Other groups aim to highlight multiple issues during the summit.
Women for Change calls for a national work boycott on Friday to protest extreme violence against women and femicide.
The group states South Africa cannot claim progress while women die every 2.5 hours.
An anti-immigration organisation will protest unemployment and poverty, citing the country’s 31% jobless rate.
A coalition focused on climate change and wealth inequality will hold an alternative summit in Johannesburg starting Thursday, arguing the G20 benefits only the rich.
Security Measures and Urban Preparations
Johannesburg authorities launched a large cleanup and repair campaign before the summit to fix failing infrastructure.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the effort last week, working in green overalls in Soweto near the summit venue.
Residents view the expensive preparations skeptically, noting broken streetlights, potholes, and unreliable water and electricity services.
Johannesburg resident Lerato Lelusa said the summit will not help ordinary citizens and will waste public funds.
Global Leaders Assemble
The two-day summit opens Saturday and will host leaders and senior diplomats from over 40 nations.
Global institutions including the United Nations, the World Bank, the IMF, and the World Trade Organisation will also attend.
The summit will discuss international policies, economic growth, and global cooperation.
