G20 Summit
Johannesburg is under a tight security blanket as the historic G20 Leaders’ Summit gets underway, with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure confirming no breaches have been recorded since the event kicked off on Saturday morning, 22 November 2025. Hosted at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Gauteng, the two-day gathering brings together heads of state and delegates from the world’s major economies to discuss pressing global issues like debt relief, climate action, and sustainable growth. Amid concerns over potential protests and disruptions, authorities have rolled out extensive measures to ensure safety, including a heavy police presence and military standby. This first-ever G20 Summit on African soil highlights South Africa’s role in global diplomacy, but also underscores the challenges of balancing international events with local security needs.
The summit, themed “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” represents 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. While the focus is on high-stakes talks, the seamless start has eased early worries, allowing leaders to dive into agendas that could shape Africa’s future.
Robust Security Measures: A Fortress Around Nasrec
From the outset, security has been paramount, with NATJOINTS leading a coordinated effort involving police, intelligence, and other agencies. The entire block surrounding the Nasrec Expo Centre has been cordoned off, with thorough checks on every person and vehicle entering the area. Police nyalas—armoured vehicles—and officers are stationed at every intersection, creating a visible deterrent against any threats.
Deputy National Police Commissioner and NATJOINTS co-chairperson Tebello Mosikili expressed confidence in the preparations during a briefing. “We have implemented every detail; we’ve done the dry runs to make sure that what we have planned is implemented. Today, I can take a seat and relax because it’s implementation time but of course monitoring that everything goes according to plan,” Mosikili said. She added that intelligence operatives are deployed throughout the precinct to keep a close watch, ensuring quick responses to any issues.
This level of vigilance follows days of planning, including a state of readiness briefing earlier in the week. Authorities confirmed a hard lockdown in the vicinity of the FNB Stadium area—near Nasrec—from Friday, 21 November, to Monday, 24 November 2025. This includes increased convoy movements across key routes in Johannesburg, with the South African National Defence Force on standby to assist if needed. The measures aim to protect the numerous heads of state and international delegates in attendance, while minimising disruptions to the event.
No Breaches Amid Looming Protests: A Smooth Start
As the summit began on Saturday morning, NATJOINTS reported a clean slate with no security incidents. This is a relief given the potential for protests, including calls for a national shutdown by groups like Women for Change against femicide, and demonstrations over unemployment, poverty, and climate issues. Despite these threats, the heavy police presence and intelligence monitoring have kept things calm so far.
Mosikili’s team has emphasised that officers are on the ground to prevent any disruptions. The structure’s proactive approach, including dry runs and detailed planning, has paid off in the early hours. However, with the event spanning two days, vigilance remains high. Protests have been flagged as a risk, but NATJOINTS is confident in its ability to maintain order, drawing on experience from past major events like the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Behind the Scenes: Coordination and Challenges
NATJOINTS, a multi-agency body including police, defence, and intelligence, has been at the helm of security operations. Earlier briefings outlined a robust plan, with over 3,500 additional officers deployed for the summit. This includes rapid response teams, roadblocks, checkpoints, and patrols to handle any unrest. The military’s standby role adds an extra layer, ready to step in if situations escalate beyond police control.
Challenges include Johannesburg’s urban complexities, such as traffic congestion and densely populated areas around Nasrec. Increased convoy movements for delegates have required careful route planning to avoid snarls. Despite these, the absence of breaches shows the plan’s effectiveness. Authorities have also addressed potential cyber threats and insider risks through enhanced intelligence gathering.
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