Buckle up, Jozi – the G20 Leaders’ Summit is touching down at Nasrec Expo Centre on 22-23 November, close to Soweto.
Quick explainer: The G20, founded in 1999, brings the leaders of key states and their financial top dogs together once a year. It has become the world’s main platform for international economic coordination, and it’s kind of a big deal that Africa is hosting it for the first time right here in SA.
The US is boycotting the event after a series of garbled messages from Trump. He confused South Africa with countries where people have fled communism during a speech last Wednesday. On Friday, he took to Truth Social to say no US official will attend, citing debunked claims of ‘white genocide’ and illegal land grabs in SA. 🙄
But SA is forging ahead under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, and the gathering promises historic African vibes, but for locals? Expect road closures and security lockdowns.
If you’re in Joburg, here’s what you need to know.
- This weekend, the Road Traffic Management Corporation will conduct a “dry run”. On Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, this ‘rehearsal’ will temporarily affect major routes including the N1, N3, N12, R21, R24, R512 and Golden Highway, as well as roads around Sandton.
- Come summit week, it ramps up. Tight security cordons around Nasrec, extra cops at OR Tambo and Lanseria, and VIP motorcades carving lanes out of the M1 and N1.
But, is SA actually ready?
Premier Panyaza Lesufi insists there have been Gauteng-wide upgrades, including patched potholes across Joburg, fixed traffic lights, the installation of backup generators at hospitals and water plants, and sprucing up the JHB city centre. Lesufi vows the weekly coordination meetings will continue long after the delegates leave – turning the G20 into a blueprint for better service delivery in the crumbling province.
But civil society groups say the province is sprucing up for the cameras while basic services remain patchy. Opposition parties have accused provincial leaders of spending on optics instead of impact, warning that “G20-ready” doesn’t mean Joburg-ready for ordinary residents battling water cuts and power outages in Gauteng’s falling-apart capital.
For now, Gauteng is polishing up and holding its breath. Expect roadblocks, flashing blue lights, and a few selfie-hungry diplomats trying to squeeze in a Nelson Mandela Square shot between sessions.
