South African police and army units staged a parade of helicopters, K-9 dog squads, and motorcycle officers on Wednesday in a show of force ahead of expected protests surrounding this weekend’s Group of 20 (G20) summit.
Authorities have deployed 3,500 additional police officers and placed the army on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, which unites police, military, and intelligence services under one command to secure major events.
Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lt. Gen. Tebello Mosikili said demonstrations are anticipated in Johannesburg and other major cities: “We will allow that right (to protest) to be exercised, but within the proper directives and proper confines of the law.”
Police have designated protest zones near the summit venue an exhibition center adjacent to South Africa’s largest soccer stadium. Airports Company South Africa announced “speakers’ corners” at international airports, where demonstrators will be escorted if they stage protests during leaders’ arrivals.
The two-day summit, opening Saturday, will host leaders and diplomats from over 40 countries along with representatives from the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization.
Protests Expected
Demonstrations are planned by anti-capitalists, climate activists, women’s rights groups, anti-migrant organizations, and others, many highlighting South Africa’s own struggles with poverty and inequality.
Controversy has already flared after the Afrikaner trade union Solidarity erected billboards declaring: “Welcome to the most RACE-REGULATED country in the world.” One billboard was removed by city authorities, prompting Solidarity to threaten legal action. The message references South Africa’s affirmative action laws, which prioritize opportunities for Black citizens, and has sparked diplomatic tension with the United States.
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