SAPS says NATJOINTS ready for G20 Leaders’ Summit, warns against testing security

SAPS Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili says the NATJOINTS is fully prepared for the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre this weekend, warning that anyone who challenges security measures “will face the full might of the law.”

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) briefed the media on Tuesday evening at the Nasrec Expo Centre’s media centre, outlining the security cluster’s readiness for the summit, scheduled for November 22 and 23.

She said they called the briefing to “provide an update on our state of readiness as the security cluster to ensure the smooth running of the G20 leaders summit set to take place this weekend on Saturday, 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of November.”

“We invite South Africans to join hands with us as we host the leaders of the G20 and other international guests, for a successful hosting of this prestigious event, which happens for the first time on the African Continent.”

She said securing an event of this scale was an opportunity to showcase the capability of South Africa’s law enforcement agencies.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the role of the NATJOINTS in securing an event of this magnitude is an opportunity to once again showcase and demonstrate our capabilities, expertise and pockets of excellence that our country’s law enforcement agencies possess in securing major events of this nature.”

Mosikili highlighted NATJOINTS’ track record, noting previous faultless, incident-free operations such as the 2010 World Cup, the 2023 BRICS Summit and 20 G20 ministerial and Sherpa meetings held throughout the year.

“Residents in Gauteng may have already noticed increased police visibility.”

This, she said, “illustrates our state of readiness to ensure that as the government prepares to welcome Heads of States, Ministers and leaders from various countries from across the world, that this happens in a safe and secure environment with minimal to no incidents of instability and criminality.”

Lockdown measures

A soft lockdown has already been implemented around the Nasrec precinct. Mosikili said a hard lockdown will be enforced from Friday, November 21, to Monday, November 24.

“We confirm that from Friday, 21 November up until Monday, 24 November 2025, we will be implementing a  hard lockdown in the vicinity of the FNB stadium, which is housing the accreditation centre as well as the Nasrec expo conference centre that will host dignitaries and delegates.”

“If you are not in possession of a valid accreditation to be in and around the Nasrec expo centre, you will not be allowed near this vicinity.”

She said all vehicles entering the area would undergo a thorough inspection. Route closures will affect parts of the N1, N12, R21, N3, R24 and M1, with roads temporarily shut during convoy movements.

Five-pillar approach

Mosikili said the security plan incorporates intelligence gathering, analysis and coordination to detect and prevent criminality; proactive measures including high-visibility policing in hotspot areas; a combat approach using uniformed and specialised units with SANDF support available; reactive policing through detection and case management; and an information-sharing component led by GCIS, DIRCO and SAPS to keep communities informed.

She issued a firm warning, “Anyone who tries and even attempts to test our security measures – will face the full might of the law.”

Designated speakers’ corners have been identified for groups wishing to protest lawfully. Acts of lawlessness, disruption or damage to G20 infrastructure “will not be allowed.”

Accreditation and airspace restrictions

“Those found with fraudulent accreditation or using another person's accreditation will face the full might of the law,” she said. 

“No accreditation card, no entrance to the venue!”

She said high-density operations, including roadblocks and mounted, air and foot patrols are underway.

A Civil Aviation Authority NOTAM restricts airspace within 20 nautical miles and up to 35,000 feet during the summit, creating a no-fly zone for unauthorised aircraft and drones.

South Africa ready to welcome the world

South Africa has confirmed its readiness to host the event, with 42 countries and organisations participating.

On Monday, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola said nearly all G20 members will be represented at the head-of-state or head-of-government level, with only four sending senior officials instead.

“At this stage, we have confirmation that only four countries will not be represented at the head-of-state level,” he said. 

“They will still participate, but through foreign ministers, sherpas or other ministerial representatives. These countries are Russia, Mexico and Argentina. Mexico and Argentina will be represented by their foreign ministers.”

He said China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang and emphasised that delegating attendance is common.

“It happens in many multilateral platforms that heads of state delegate their participation. Out of 20 heads of state, if only four are not present, it shows they take the G20 very seriously.”

Lamola said representation extends beyond G20 members.

“In total, 42 countries are confirmed for participation at various levels.”

IOL