Inside South Africa’s ‘Hard Lockdown’ for G20 Summit [photos]
Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili has urged all protestors planning to seize G20 moment, to do so lawfully or ‘face full might of the law’.
The highly anticipated G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first of its kind on African soil, is set to proceed on 22 and 23 November 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, demanding extraordinary security measures as world leaders gather.
Gauteng authorities, under the coordination of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints), have expressed confident in their preparations, drawing on successful policing experiences from 130 preparatory meetings held throughout the year, according to Sandile Nene – acting deputy director-general at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
“Some of these meetings include the Y20 Summit which was hosted in Ekurhuleni from 18 to 22 August 2025. Ekurhuleni is also hosting the G20 Social Summit, from 18 to 20 November 2025,” Nene said.
Man arrested for ‘testing’ G20 security systems
Demonstrating the readiness of the security apparatus, GCIS revealed that Jimmy Roodt – operations director at Gauntlet Security Solutions – was arrested for trespassing at Nasrec on 3 November 2025.
“His stunt at Nasrec was an attempt at proving his falsehood that South Africa’s security apparatus were not ready to secure the forthcoming G20 Leaders Summit,” said GCIS.
“Jimmy Roodt’s arrest is a clear demonstration that the law enforcement agencies are more than ready to ensure the security of all delegates to the G20 Leaders Summit.”
Five crucial elements of the G20 Summit security measures
Deployment and Lockdown during G20
A “soft lockdown” approach around the Nasrec conference centre will escalate into a “hard lockdown” starting Friday, 21 November up until Monday, 24 November 2025. This mandatory restriction covers the vicinity of the FNB Stadium, which houses the accreditation centre, and the Nasrec Expo Centre. During this period, access is strictly limited; only those in possession of valid, non-transferable accreditation will be permitted near the venue, and all vehicles will be inspected thoroughly.
Personnel Surge
Integrated security operations are significantly boosted by the deployment of more than 3500 newly trained police constables nationwide. These recruits will join forces with various law enforcement agencies to conduct roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, patrols and rapid response duties throughout the summit. NatJoints confirms that security plans are executed with maximum resources, though exact deployment numbers remain classified.
No-fly zone over G20 Summit venue
To secure the venue aerially, the Civil Aviation Authority has issued a Notice to Airmen, establishing a strict no-fly zone. This measure, in effect from 22 to 23 November 2025, restricts airspace within 20 nautical miles and 35,000 feet above sea level around the conference venue. The restriction applies to unauthorised manned aircrafts and drones, with severe steps promised against transgressors.
Convoy Movement and Road Closures
Johannesburg, as the host city, will see the largest concentration of convoy escorting and route protection operations led by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department. Rolling road closures across major routes in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni will occur daily during peak hours: 7:00 to 10:00 in the mornings and 17:00 to 20:00 in the evenings.
Full closures will be in place when VIP convoys are in transit, potentially causing traffic delays of up to one hour. Specific full closures will include Grayston Drive (Saturday, 22 November, 4:00–10:00) and parts of the Golden Highway (starting 19 November 2025).
Protest Management and resilience
An energy plan has been activated to guarantee uninterrupted power supply throughout the summit, including installing emergency generators, protecting cables, and using high mast solar lighting.
On Tuesday, Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili – chair of NatJoints – urged all protesting groups planning to seize the G20 moment, “to do so within the confines of the law”.
“We will therefore not allow any disruptions, lawlessness and no damaging and defacing of G20 infrastructure including posters,” Mosikili said.