Anti-capitalists, climate campaigners, women’s rights groups and anti-migrant organisations plan protests.
They aim to highlight South Africa’s poverty and inequality.
Police and army staged a parade on Wednesday with helicopters, K-9 units and motorcycle officers to show force.
Authorities deployed 3,500 additional officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said officials expect protests in Johannesburg and other major cities.
She confirmed authorities will allow demonstrations within legal limits.
Police assigned specific areas for protesters near the summit venue, beside the country’s largest soccer stadium.
Airports Company South Africa created “speakers’ corners” in airports and security will guide demonstrators there during leaders’ arrivals.
A trade union representing Afrikaner white minority members caused controversy by installing billboards claiming: “Welcome to the most RACE-REGULATED country in the world.”
City officials removed one billboard, and Solidarity threatened legal action.
The billboards reference affirmative action laws and fuel diplomatic tensions with the United States.
US President Donald Trump will boycott the summit, citing alleged anti-white policies and persecution of Afrikaners.
Experts dismiss Trump’s claims, yet the boycott risks undermining Africa’s first G20 summit.
Women for Change calls for a national shutdown on Friday, urging women to skip work to protest femicide and violence.
The group said the country cannot discuss progress while it buries a woman every 2.5 hours.
An anti-immigration organisation plans demonstrations against unemployment and poverty, highlighting South Africa’s 31% jobless rate.
Climate and inequality activists will host an alternative summit in Johannesburg starting Thursday, claiming the G20 serves wealthy elites.
Security Preparations and Public Response
Johannesburg authorities launched major cleanup and repair operations before the summit to fix broken infrastructure.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the effort last week, working in green overalls in Soweto near the summit location.
Many residents view the multi-million-dollar preparation for the two-day event with skepticism.
Johannesburg citizens remain frustrated by broken streetlights, potholed roads and inconsistent water and electricity services.
Resident Lerato Lelusa said the G20 will not benefit ordinary South Africans and will waste money.
Global Summit Readies to Begin
The summit opens on Saturday and will host leaders and diplomats from over 40 countries.
Global organisations like the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organisation will also attend.
The event will include discussions on international trade, finance, and global economic policies.
Protests and alternative gatherings will continue throughout the weekend, drawing attention to inequality, climate change, and social issues.
