• South Africa has deployed over 3,500 police officers for the G20 summit security.
• Protests by various groups are expected around the summit venue, highlighting local socio-economic issues.
• A strict lockdown will be in effect from Friday, ensuring compliance during the two-day event.

As South Africa approaches its first-ever G20 leaders’ summit, security measures are significantly ramping up. The country has mobilized 3,500 additional police officers and placed military units on standby, coordinated under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure to ensure the event's safety. Acting Police Minister and the National Police Commissioner conducted a parade to emphasize the need for vigilance against potential disruptions from demonstrators, urging officers to engage positively with delegates while maintaining order, according to Africanews and South China Morning Post.

The authorities are expecting various protests in Johannesburg surrounding the summit that coincide with a two-day meeting of leaders from over 40 countries. Specific areas have been designated for demonstrators to gather, as Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili affirmed that the right to protest would be respected, albeit within legal parameters. Reports indicate that groups such as climate activists, women’s rights advocates, and anti-capitalist movements are planning demonstrations highlighting socio-economic issues, as reported by Al Jazeera and Africanews.

As part of the security measures, authorities will enforce a comprehensive lockdown around the summit venue starting Friday, with a strong warning against non-compliance with protest regulations. Civil rights organizations and local advocacy groups are planning to express their concerns over pressing issues like gender violence and economic inequality, which have led to calls for a national shutdown by the Women for Change group. "Until South Africa stops burying a woman every 2.5 hours, the G20 cannot speak of growth and progress," they emphasized, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.