Johannesburg will enforce a hard lockdown around the FNB Stadium and Nasrec Expo Centre from Friday, 21 November, as South Africa prepares to host world leaders for the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend. The lockdown will remain in place until Monday, 24 November, officials confirmed.
The restrictions were announced by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) during a briefing on Tuesday evening. Authorities say the measures are necessary to ensure the safety of delegates and secure the high-profile event.
Only Accredited Individuals Allowed In
Natjoints co-chair Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili stressed that only individuals with valid G20 accreditation will be allowed to enter the locked-down precinct.
“A hard lockdown means strict access control. Vehicles and individuals entering the zone will undergo thorough inspections,” she said.
Law enforcement — including SAPS, JMPD and Ekurhuleni Metro Police — will run continuous roadblocks, vehicle checks, patrols and aerial surveillance throughout the summit.
Traffic Disruptions on Major Highways
Motorists are urged to brace for heavy disruptions across several key routes.
Parts of the N1, N12, R21, N3, R24 and M1 will experience temporary closures, especially during the movement of presidential and ministerial convoys. Roads will reopen once convoys have cleared the route.
Authorities have urged motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to plan ahead or seek alternative routes.
Five-Pillar Security Plan
Mosikili said the security plan is built around five key pillars:
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Intelligence gathering
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High-visibility policing
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Rapid law enforcement response
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Reactive detection and case management
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Public awareness and communication
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will remain on standby to support operations if needed.
Mosikili added that policing of G20 Ministerial and Sherpa meetings throughout the year had been “incident-free”, boosting confidence ahead of the leaders’ summit.
Strict Action Against Fraudulent Accreditation
Natjoints warned that attempts to bypass checkpoints or use fraudulent accreditation will be met with immediate legal action.
Accreditation cards are non-transferable, and any lost cards must be reported promptly.
Airspace Restrictions and Drone Ban
The Civil Aviation Authority has issued a NOTAM restricting airspace within 20 nautical miles of the summit venues and up to 35,000 feet from 22 to 23 November.
No manned aircraft or drones will be permitted in the restricted zone. Violators face prosecution.
Protest Sites Designated
Designated areas around Nasrec will be set aside for lawful protests, with authorities urging residents and civil society groups to follow regulations.
‘Let’s Show Ubuntu’
Mosikili called on Joburg residents to support the security effort.
“As South Africans, we call on everyone to welcome our visitors in the spirit of ubuntu and co-operate with law enforcement to ensure the successful hosting of this prestigious summit,” she said.