South Africa’s security agencies say they are fully prepared to safeguard world leaders and delegates as Johannesburg hosts Africa’s first-ever G20 leaders’ summit in the coming days a major logistical and security milestone for the country. On Wednesday, Acting Police Minister and senior officials gathered in Soweto for a readiness parade, where National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola urged officers to uphold professionalism while responding firmly to any security threats. “The country is depending on you,” Masemola told assembled officers. “Treat delegates and the public with courtesy, but when dealing with criminals, act decisively and within the law.”
Authorities say thousands of police officers, tactical teams, traffic units and intelligence personnel have been deployed across Gauteng, with additional support from the military on standby if needed. The integrated security plan includes air patrols, surveillance systems, rapid-response teams and strict accreditation controls for all summit venues. Police have issued a warning to civil society groups that plan to demonstrate during the summit. While protests will be permitted in designated areas near the conference centre, any attempt to breach security zones or disrupt proceedings “will face the full might of the law,” officials said.
A hard security lockdown will take effect from Friday around the Sandton Convention Centre, where leaders from the world’s major economies will convene. Road closures, restricted pedestrian access and intensified screening will remain in place until Monday. Hosting the high-profile gathering is seen as an important diplomatic moment for South Africa, which has pledged a safe and seamless summit as global attention turns to the continent.
