Johannesburg, South Africa — As preparations for the upcoming G20 Summit ramp up, residents of Johannesburg have voiced frustration over what they perceive as a lack of clear communication from local authorities about the event.
The G20 summit, which is set to take place in Nasrec, south of Johannesburg, has sparked concerns regarding disruptions to daily life, especially with significant road closures and security measures in place around key venues.
Matsobane Sekhu, the Ward Councillor for Johannesburg, expressed his dissatisfaction with the communication process, stating that many residents still have unanswered questions about the summit.
The ongoing dry-runs conducted by the city’s metro police and the Road Traffic Management Corporation have led to the closure of several key roads, affecting major routes in and around Nasrec, as well as areas like Sandton to the north and Roodepoort to the west.
These closures are part of efforts to ensure the safety and security of the event, which is expected to attract international leaders and dignitaries.
While road users have been advised to plan ahead and expect delays, Sekhu believes that more could have been done to inform the public. He highlighted that although there had been some efforts to engage with the community, such as public participation meetings, these were often poorly attended or held outside the immediate area of concern.
“There’s still a lot of confusion among residents,” Sekhu remarked. “The first meeting was held outside our region, and the second one was virtual. While we did see some interest in the virtual meeting, many residents still feel they are not fully informed. This lack of clarity about the summit is causing frustration, and people are asking for more direct engagement from the authorities.”
Sekhu’s concerns underscore a broader issue of communication surrounding major international events like the G20 summit. While meetings have been held, many residents feel that the information provided has been insufficient, leaving them with more questions than answers.
As the summit draws closer, Sekhu and others are calling for better transparency and more community-focused outreach to ensure that Johannesburg residents are fully aware of the changes to their daily routines and the reasons behind them.
The city’s authorities are under increasing pressure to provide clear and timely updates on road closures, security measures, and other logistical details to minimize disruption for local communities.
