South Africa has deployed 3,500 additional police officers and placed the army on standby ahead of this weekend's G20 summit in Johannesburg, as authorities brace for widespread protests. The show of force included a parade on Wednesday featuring helicopters, K-9 units and motorcycle officers, under the coordination of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
Deputy national commissioner Lt. Gen. Tebello Mosikili said on Tuesday that protests are expected in Johannesburg and other major cities, but stressed that the right to protest would be allowed within the law. Designated areas have been set up near the summit venue, an exhibition centre next to the country's largest soccer stadium, and 'speakers' corners' have been established at airports for demonstrators.
The two-day summit, starting Saturday, will host leaders and diplomats from over 40 countries and global institutions such as the UN, World Bank, IMF and WTO. Protests are anticipated from anti-capitalist, climate, women's rights and anti-migrant groups, highlighting South Africa's issues with poverty and inequality.
A controversial billboard campaign by the Afrikaner trade union Solidarity, stating 'Welcome to the most RACE-REGULATED country in the world,' has sparked legal threats after one board was removed by city authorities. The billboards reference South Africa's affirmative action laws, which have contributed to diplomatic tensions with the US. President Donald Trump is boycotting the summit over unsubstantiated claims of anti-white policies.
Women for Change has called for a national shutdown on Friday, urging women to boycott work to protest high rates of violence against women and femicide. An anti-immigration group will also protest against unemployment, which stands at 31%. Meanwhile, a coalition of climate and inequality activists has organised an alternative summit starting Thursday, criticising the G20 as 'for the rich.'
Authorities have undertaken a major clean-up and repair operation ahead of the summit, with President Cyril Ramaphosa personally joining efforts in Soweto. However, many Johannesburg residents view the multi-million-dollar operation cynically, given the city's chronic infrastructure problems. Resident Lerato Lelusa said, 'Us hosting this G20, I don’t really think it’s going to be beneficial for South Africans... It’s just a way to waste money.'
