By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has affirmed South Africa’s full “state of readiness” to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 22–23 November, the first time the gathering will be held on African soil.
Briefing the media on Tuesday evening, NATJOINTS Co-Chairs outlined extensive security measures, road closures and airspace restrictions intended to ensure the “smooth running” of the event.
Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili said hosting a summit of this scale offers South Africa an opportunity to “showcase our capabilities, expertise and pockets of excellence” across the country’s law enforcement agencies.
Mosikili pointed to NATJOINTS’s “successful execution” of operations during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2023 BRICS Summit and 20 G20 ministerial and Sherpa meetings held throughout the year—all of which were “incident-free.”
Police visibility has been significantly increased across Gauteng.
Mosikili warned residents to expect intensified operations, adding that NATJOINTS has already implemented a soft lockdown around the Nasrec Expo Centre, with a hard lockdown to follow from 21–24 November around the expo precinct and FNB Stadium.
“If you are not in possession of valid accreditation, you will not be allowed near this vicinity,” she said.
“All vehicles will be thoroughly inspected before entering either premises.”
Routes already affected include sections of the N1, N3, N12, R21, R24 and the M1, with authorities advising motorists to expect complete closures when international convoys move through.
“We urge members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement and take note of the identified road closures,” she said.
Mosikili issued a stern warning to anyone planning to test security systems: “You will face the full might of the law.”
While noting that interest groups may wish to protest, NATJOINTS said designated “speakers’ corners” have been set up near Nasrec for lawful demonstrations.
“We will not allow any disruptions, lawlessness or the damaging of G20 infrastructure,” Mosikili said.
She stressed that accreditation will be strictly enforced: “No accreditation card, no entry. Those found misusing or forging accreditation will be prosecuted.”
High-density operations—roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, foot, vehicle, mounted and air patrols—will continue throughout the summit period.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will restrict airspace within 20 nautical miles of the summit venue, up to 35,000 feet. The area will be a “strictly no-fly zone” for drones and unauthorised aircraft.
“Those in breach of Civil Aviation Authority restrictions will face consequences,” she warned.
Mosikili urged South Africans to anticipate limited access around the FNB Stadium and Nasrec Expo Centre, and called for unity and calm as the country welcomes global leaders “in the true spirit of Ubuntu.”
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