JOHANNESBURG, Nov 22 (NNN-SANEWS) — Heads of State and Government have started arriving in Johannesburg ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, which officially opens Saturday and concludes on Sunday at the Nasrec Expo Centre, in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
The annual gathering is drawing not only world leaders but also hundreds of media representatives and international visitors.
Government has confirmed that preparations are complete and it’s all systems go for the Summit.
South Africa assumed the year-long G20 Presidency in December 2024, becoming the first African state to host the prestigious global forum.
Among the dignitaries already in the country include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, President of the European Council António Costa, Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, Premier of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang, and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Several other leaders are expected to arrive throughout the day.
Security has been tightened around the Nasrec Expo Centre, with multiple road closures in the vicinity.
Earlier this week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to ensure the safety of delegates and the public during the Summit.
“As the NATJOINTS, we have been meeting daily with all relevant role-players to ensure our security plan is well-executed,” NATJOINTS Chairperson, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, said.
Mosikili urged the public to familiarise themselves with the temporary road closures and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. She added that roads will be closed off completely and movement from pedestrians, cyclists and motorists will be limited when convoys pass through.
“Roads will be opened as soon as the convoys move past the affected routes,” she said.
At the Nasrec Expo Centre, local and international journalists from various media houses are already gathered in anticipation of briefings from government officials.
SAnews observed a visible police presence throughout Johannesburg, with officers stationed at major intersections and access routes leading to the venue.
The city is awash with colourful G20-branded posters and banners, some featuring participating Heads of State.
According to Mosikili, additional police officers will be deployed over the weekend to bolster security.
“We will therefore not allow any disruptions, lawlessness and no damaging and defacing of G20 infrastructure, including posters. It is on that note, that we request everyone within the borders of South Africa to cooperate with law enforcement officers at all times, to enable us to deliver a successful event,” she said. — NNN-SANEWS
