Anti-capitalists, climate activists, women’s rights groups, and anti-migrant organisations plan protests highlighting poverty and inequality.
Police and army paraded on Wednesday with helicopters, K-9 units, and motorcycle officers to show strength before expected demonstrations.
South Africa deployed 3,500 extra officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili told reporters that authorities anticipate protests in Johannesburg and other major cities.
She emphasized authorities will allow protests but enforce lawful limits.
Police designated specific areas for demonstrators near the summit venue beside the country’s largest soccer stadium.
Airports Company South Africa installed “speakers’ corners” where security will escort protesters during world leaders’ arrivals.
Demonstrators include activists focused on anti-capitalism, climate change, women’s rights, and immigration, highlighting domestic social and economic issues.
Afrikaner trade union Solidarity sparked controversy with billboards claiming: “Welcome to the most RACE-REGULATED country in the world.”
City authorities removed one billboard, prompting the union to threaten legal action.
The billboards refer to affirmative action laws supporting Black South Africans and triggered diplomatic tension with the United States.
US President Donald Trump will boycott the summit, claiming South Africa’s Black-led government persecutes Afrikaners and enforces anti-white policies.
Authorities and analysts reject his claims, but the US absence threatens Africa’s first G20 summit.
Other groups plan protests to highlight a range of issues during the summit.
Women for Change urges a national work boycott on Friday to protest gender-based violence and femicide.
The group says South Africa cannot discuss growth while a woman dies every 2.5 hours.
An anti-immigration organisation will protest unemployment and poverty, citing the nation’s 31% jobless rate.
A coalition addressing climate change and wealth inequality will host an alternative summit in Johannesburg, calling the G20 “for the rich.”
Security Measures and Urban Preparations
Johannesburg authorities launched major cleanup and repair operations to fix deteriorating infrastructure ahead of the summit.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined workers in Soweto last week, helping repair streets and public spaces near the summit site.
Citizens view the multi-million-dollar effort with skepticism due to recurring broken streetlights, potholes, and unreliable services causing water and power outages.
Resident Lerato Lelusa said the G20 will not benefit ordinary South Africans and described it as a waste of public funds.
Global Leaders Arrive
The summit begins Saturday, attracting leaders and top diplomats from over 40 countries.
International organisations including the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organisation will also participate.
Authorities expect heightened security and public demonstrations as global figures arrive in Johannesburg.
Protests, alternative events, and public scrutiny will mark Africa’s first G20 summit, placing local issues in the international spotlight.
