Anti-capitalists, climate activists, women’s rights groups, and anti-migrant organisations plan protests highlighting poverty and inequality.
Police and army held a parade on Wednesday using helicopters, K-9 units, and motorcycles to display strength before expected demonstrations.
Authorities deployed 3,500 additional police officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili told reporters that officials expect protests in Johannesburg and other major cities.
She confirmed authorities will respect the right to protest while enforcing legal limits.
Police designated specific areas for protesters near the summit venue, located beside South Africa’s largest soccer stadium.
Airports Company South Africa created “speakers’ corners” in airports where security will guide protesters if they demonstrate during world leaders’ arrivals.
Demonstrators include activists addressing inequality, poverty, climate issues, women’s rights, and migration concerns.
A trade union representing Afrikaner minority members stirred controversy by posting billboards stating: “Welcome to the most RACE-REGULATED country in the world.”
City officials removed one billboard, prompting the Afrikaner union Solidarity to threaten legal action.
The billboards reference affirmative action laws supporting Black South Africans and fuel diplomatic tensions with the United States.
US President Donald Trump plans to boycott the G20 summit, claiming South Africa enforces anti-white policies and persecutes Afrikaners.
Officials reject Trump’s claims as baseless, yet the boycott may weaken the first African G20 summit.
Women for Change urges a national work boycott on Friday to protest high rates of gender-based violence and femicide.
The group states that South Africa cannot discuss growth while a woman dies every 2.5 hours.
An anti-immigration group plans protests against unemployment and poverty, citing a 31% national jobless rate.
A coalition protesting climate change and wealth inequality will hold an alternative summit in Johannesburg starting Thursday, calling the G20 “for the rich.”
Security Measures and City Preparations
Johannesburg authorities launched major cleanup and repair efforts to address failing infrastructure ahead of the summit.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined workers in Soweto, wearing green overalls and assisting with repairs near the summit site.
Many residents view the multi-million-dollar preparations skeptically, citing broken streetlights, potholes, and frequent utility outages.
Johannesburg resident Lerato Lelusa said hosting the G20 mainly wastes public money without helping ordinary citizens.
International Leaders and Summit Plans
The G20 summit opens on Saturday, drawing leaders and diplomats from over 40 countries.
Global institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organisation, will participate.
The summit will spotlight international cooperation, trade, and policy discussions while local activists continue protests nearby.
