Anti-capitalists, climate activists, women’s rights campaigners, and anti-migrant groups plan demonstrations.
They also highlight South Africa’s persistent poverty and social inequality.
South African police and army paraded on Wednesday with helicopters, K-9 units, and motorcycle officers to show strength.
Authorities deployed 3,500 additional police and placed army units on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
This command coordinates police, military, and intelligence services for major events.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili told reporters that authorities expect protests in Johannesburg and other major cities.
She confirmed that authorities will protect the right to protest within lawful limits.
Police designated specific zones for protesters near the summit venue next to the country’s largest soccer stadium.
Airports Company South Africa set up “speakers’ corners” in airports and said security will escort demonstrators there during leaders’ arrivals.
Demonstrations will include multiple activist groups, focusing on social issues like inequality, poverty, and gender violence.
Controversies and Political Reactions
An Afrikaner trade union sparked debate by installing billboards declaring, “Welcome to the most RACE-REGULATED country in the world.”
City authorities removed one billboard, and the union, Solidarity, threatened legal action.
The billboards reference affirmative action policies that support Black South Africans, creating diplomatic tension with the United States.
President Donald Trump will boycott the G20 summit, claiming that South Africa’s Black-led government enforces racist, anti-white measures against Afrikaners.
Officials and analysts widely reject Trump’s claims as baseless, but the boycott risks undermining Africa’s first G20 summit.
Women for Change calls for a national shutdown on Friday, urging women to protest workplace attendance due to high violence and femicide rates.
The group emphasizes that South Africa cannot claim growth while women die every 2.5 hours.
An anti-immigration organisation plans protests addressing unemployment and poverty, citing the country’s 31% jobless rate.
Climate and inequality activists will host an alternative summit elsewhere in Johannesburg starting Thursday, labeling the G20 as an event for the wealthy.
City Preparations and Global Spotlight
Johannesburg authorities launched a major cleanup and repair initiative ahead of the summit to address decaying infrastructure.
President Cyril Ramaphosa personally joined the effort, working in Soweto just miles from the summit venue.
Many residents criticized the expensive operation, citing years of broken streetlights, potholed roads, and unreliable water and electricity services.
Johannesburg resident Lerato Lelusa described the summit as a waste of public money that will not benefit ordinary citizens.
The two-day summit opens Saturday and will host leaders and senior diplomats from over 40 countries.
Global institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, and World Trade Organization will also participate.
