South Africa deploys 3,500 extra Police ahead of G20 summit as PM Modi to attend

South Africa has deployed 3,500 additional police officers and placed army units on standby under its National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure as security preparations intensify ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from November 22 to 24. Authorities conducted a parade on Wednesday featuring helicopters, K-9 units, and officers on motorcycles to showcase readiness for expected protests.

Deputy National Commissioner Lt. Gen. Tebello Mosikili said the right to protest will be allowed, but only within the confines of the law . Authorities have designated specific protest areas near the summit venue, an exhibition centre next to the country’s largest soccer stadium, and set up “speakers’ corners” at airports for demonstrators.

Protests are expected from a broad range of groups, including climate activists, women’s rights campaigners, anti-capitalists, and anti-migrant organisations. Domestic issues such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence are expected to dominate demonstrations.

The Afrikaner trade union Solidarity has drawn controversy by putting up billboards around Johannesburg criticising South Africa’s affirmative action laws, calling the country “the most race-regulated in the world.” One billboard was removed by authorities, prompting Solidarity to threaten legal action. U.S. President Donald Trump is boycotting the summit, citing alleged discrimination against the Afrikaner minority, claims widely dismissed by South African officials.

Women’s advocacy group Women for Change has called for a national work boycott on Friday to protest high rates of violence against women and femicide. A coalition of climate and social justice groups is organising an alternative summit, criticising the G20 as being “for the rich.”

India will be represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who will attend the G20 summit from 21 to 23 November . Modi is expected to speak in all three main sessions and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders. The summit will bring together leaders from more than 40 countries, along with senior officials from the UN, World Bank, IMF, and WTO.

South Africa, hosting the G20 for the first time in Africa, has prioritised themes of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” focusing on disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income countries, financing a just energy transition, and leveraging critical minerals for inclusive growth. Time-bound task forces will also focus on inclusive economic growth, food security, and governance of AI and data for sustainable development.