Seven protests planned as G20 Leaders’ Summit brings global leaders to Johannesburg

The Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD) has confirmed only seven planned protests at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The two-day summit will see more than 40 heads of states converge at the Nasrec Conference and Expo Centre this weekend.

Ahead of the two-day programme, JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla indicated that some of the planned pickets will begin on Friday, a day before the summit, with some of the protests taking place in Sandton, Constitution Hill, while others will take place within the Nasrec Conference Centre.

Fihla has revealed that stringent measures have been put in place especially within the Nasrec area where a hard lockdown is expected to be implemented on Thursday afternoon.

On Thursday morning, Fihla gave an update on traffic-related activities ahead of the summit, with the Golden Highway next to the Johannesburg Expo Centre having seen the biggest police visibility since the start of the week.

“The Southern Northern portion which will be closed off from the N1 to Nasrec Road and of course then the Southern portion will be converted, this is to allow constant traffic flow. This is to accommodate resident of Mondeor view so that they have access of their residential area.”

He revealed also that law enforcement agencies will be keeping a close eye on any potential disruptive behaviour from interests' groups, who have already confirmed their planned protests.

“We are also keeping close eye and a lookout at any protests that might be happening within the City of Johannesburg. I know that starting from the 21st – that’s on Friday – tomorrow and up until Sunday, we have seven planned protests, marches and pickets within the Nasrec and Sandton area,” he added.

Among interest and community groups that have confirmed their protest action outside designated areas within Nasrec, is Operation Dudula, the Kokosi Water Crisis Committee, Women for Change and the ANC Women’s League.