By Marcus Moloko
As Johannesburg prepares to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend, the city is bracing for more than the arrival of world leaders and international tourists.
South African movements including Solidariteit, Operation Dudula, and Women for Change have signalled their dissatisfaction with the country’s ongoing socio-economic challenges, saying the global spotlight offers the right moment to raise urgent domestic issues as South Africa presents itself to the world.
Trade union Solidariteit made a hard-hitting statement, which made its presence felt by placing banners titled “Welcome to the most race-regulated country in the world,” along the N1 highway in Johannesburg recently.
The banners were quickly removed by city officials, citing that bylaws needed to be followed.
The group has not detailed its full protest strategy, yet the banners served as a visible reminder of dissatisfaction with government labour polices among other broader concerns.
Next on the list is the proposed lawful protest against alleged government failures by Operation Dudula.
Operation Dudula has confirmed plans for a lawful protest outside the G20 Summit on 22 November 2025, arguing that President Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to prioritise citizens.
The movement, known for its controversial stance on immigration and community security, insists that the protest is not meant to disrupt the summit but to highlight the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.
Spokesperson Zandile Dabula explained: “We continue to struggle finding work, access to quality services, and we’re not getting safe in our own communities now… We just want to restore dignity and security, and give South Africans an opportunity in their own country.”
Dabula said while South Africa hosted international dignitaries, its own citizens faced hunger, unemployment, and insecurity.
The group argues it wants the world to see that domestic suffering undermines the credibility of the government’s international leadership role.
Next on the list is Women For Change, who have planned a protest on Friday, 21 November, a day before the summit begins.
The movement will protest Gender Based Violence (GBV) and femicide.
The organisation called on women and members of the LGBTQ+ community to withdraw from paid and unpaid work to effectively silence the nation to demonstrate the economic and social impact of their absence.
“We demand that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide be declared a National Disaster,” the organisation said on social media.
The G20 Summit is expected to showcase South Africa’s role in international diplomacy, with discussions on economic growth, climate change, and global cooperation.
The protests are aimed at putting the spotlight on unfinished business at home.
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