EKURHULENI - The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure briefed the media on the security state of readiness ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
READ: Joint traffic operation to hit Joburg roads ahead of G20
Authorities are ready for increased convoy movement across key routes in Johannesburg during the G20 Summit.
Officials say measures are being coordinated to guide residents through diversions during road closures.
SAPS Brigadier Athlenda Mathe
At the media briefing, the leaders of the NatJoints team said, "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 in the African Continent."
"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."
"The NatJoints has a history of ensuring the successful execution of safety and security operations in the country, with the 2010 World Cup and the 2023 BRICS summit, and many other major events held in the country as perfect examples of how the security cluster executed with precision smooth running operations that were faultless and incident free."
"We have no doubt that just like many other events that we have policed, this one too will take place in a safe, secure and peaceful environment. "
"Throughout the year, we have successfully policed twenty G20 ministerial working group meetings as well as the Sherpa meetings that were held in various parts of the country in a build up to this main event. These meetings add to the impressive track record of the NatJoints in that all were considered and classified to be incident-free events."
"With the Summit in a few days, and with the G20 social summit currently taking place, residents in and around Gauteng may have noted heightened police operations and visibility - this indeed illustrates our state of readiness to ensure that as 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."
"We have implemented a soft lock down approach in and around the Nasrec conference expo centre where the summit will take place."
"We confirm that from Friday, 21 November up until Monday, 24 November 2025, we will be implementing a hard-lock down 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."
"The implementation of the hard-lock down simply means that 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. All vehicles in this vicinity will be inspected thoroughly before being allowed to enter either premises."
"The Road Traffic Management Corporation as well as the Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department have already appraised communities of the affected road closures and possible traffic delays."
"The specific routes that are already affected include parts of the N1, N12, R21, N3, R24 and the M1."
"Important to note: when convoys are moving, roads will be closed off completely and movement from road users, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists will be limited."
"Roads will be opened as soon as the convoys move past the affected routes. We urge members of the public to take note of these identified road closures and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities."
READ: WEEKEND TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Road Closures, Delays During G20 Summit Operations
"As the NatJoints, we have been meeting daily with all relevant role-players to ensure our security plan is well-executed."
"We are therefore confident in saying that, the safety and security preparations for the Summit are well on track, with all critical role players already on the ground executing their various responsibilities as per their mandate."
"We are implementing a five-pillar approach which will include the following :
"Number one: Intelligence gathering, analysis and co-ordination; to ensure we detect, prevent and combat all forms of criminality timeously."
"Number two: A proactive approach which includes high visibility to police all hotspot areas to prevent, and respond to any element of criminality."
"Number three: We are Implementing our combat approach in response to any violation of the law through the deployment of our uniformed officers including our specialised units."
"Should the need arise, the SANDF is also on standby to exercise their secondary role of supporting the SAPS."
"Number four: Reactive approach through detection and case management; and the Fifth approach of awareness and information sharing led by the GCIS, and Communication teams from DIRCO and the SAPS, keeping interested parties and communities at home and abroad updated through messaging that will enhance the safety and security of everyone in the country – residents and visitors alike."
"Once again we would like to remind members of the public that the safety of our visitors and that of South Africans as a whole is paramount and anyone who tries and even attempts to test our security measures will face the full might of the law."
"With regards to those interest groups who wish to air their dissatisfaction either with service delivery or any other pressing matters, we urge you all to do so within the confines of the law."
"Failure to do so, could land you on the wrong side of the law and we shall also not hesitate to act decisively with any acts of lawlessness."
The address was concluded with the speakers saying, "With this said, we call on South Africans to welcome our visitors in the true spirit of Ubuntu to ensure the safety and security of all invited guests and most importantly, cooperate with law enforcement authorities."