Johannesburg – Clashes erupted outside the G20 Summit venue in Johannesburg on Saturday when members of Operation Dudula, the MK party, and other groups tried to force their way closer to the Nasrec Expo Centre.
Police fired rubber bullets after protesters ignored warnings to remain at the designated speakers’ corner and attempted to block routes used by world leaders’ motorcades.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, protesters assaulted officers and even used tear gas, leaving one officer injured.
“They wanted to forcefully march towards the main venue where the G20 Leaders’ Summit is being held. They were warned that there is a dedicated speakers corner that is allocated to people that want to air their grievances, and warned them that they could they would not be allowed to march towards Nasrec,” Mathe said.
[WATCH] SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe briefs the media on police measures and public safety in response to the Operation Dudula protest outside Nasrec, where the G20 Summit is currently taking place. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/TXu1t9o2Ml
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 22, 2025
She added: “Baragwaneth and Nasrec roads have been utilised by heads of state dignitaries to access the Nasrec venue. So we cannot allow a situation where this particular road is blocked by this particular grouping and that is when our members started to give them a few warnings.
“They resisted, they started assaulting police officers, pushing back at police officers. They also started spraying tear gas. As a result, one police officer has been taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Protesters are being arrested at the Dudula march outside the G20 Summit venue, where over a hundred civil society groups are protesting, demanding wealth taxes, debt relief, and an end to fossil fuel use. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403. #G20 pic.twitter.com/75FSGcMaif
— eNCA (@eNCA) November 22, 2025
Two Operation Dudula members were arrested on charges including public violence, assaulting a police officer, and violating a court order related to intimidation of foreign nationals.
“We have opened a case against Dudula. The charges that they’re facing, firstly, public violence, the second one, assaulting of a police officer and contravention of the court order. You recall that they handed down a court order not to intimidate and harass foreign nationals,” Mathe said.
BREAKING #G20SouthAfrica
Police fired stun grenades and several people were arrested following the clashes. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/MVpEK2zePQ
— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) November 22, 2025
Police stressed that protests are allowed but must remain lawful, and no disruptions to the G20 Summit will be tolerated. Protesters were advised to report any complaints against police to IPID.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
