The City of Johannesburg is gearing up to host the 2025 G20 Summit at the Nasrec precinct from 22 to 23 November. The event is a major milestone for South Africa as G20 chair and reinforces Johannesburg’s role as the country’s economic engine and a key gateway for business on the continent.

In the lead-up to the summit, the city has supported several side and parallel events aimed at driving inclusive dialogue. These included the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Conference in July, as well as U20 and B20 engagements that convened urban leaders, business, youth, and civil society. Together, these platforms demonstrate South Africa’s commitment to tackling global challenges through broad collaboration.

As preparations intensified, the Office of the Chief Operations Officer placed strong emphasis on safety and disaster readiness, guided by the Disaster Management Centre’s strategic objectives. The Centre developed a detailed contingency plan informed by risk registers and international trends, ensuring the city can respond effectively to any disruptions during the summit.

In line with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, Disaster Management worked closely with the SAPS and DIRCO to conduct two full-scale dry runs. These exercises tested readiness, coordination, and systems integration. Following the final dry run on 15 November, the Nasrec precinct was officially declared sterile, affirming its security integrity.

Operationally, the Venue Operations Centre will oversee real-time decision-making, supported by the Event Safety and Security Committee and the Disaster Management team. At the same time, the Sandton Disaster Management Centre has activated its Disaster Operations Centre Joint Operations Committee (JOC).

This multi-agency platform includes City Power, Joburg Water, Johannesburg Roads Agency, Pikitup, Emergency Medical Services from the province and the CoJ, and Group Risk Assurance Services. The JOC will coordinate monitoring, communication, and essential services throughout the summit.

Joburg’s meticulous planning and strong partnerships underline its reputation as a world-class African city. As international leaders gather in Johannesburg, the city will showcase not only its disaster preparedness and operational capability but also its broader vision of resilience, safety, and inclusive growth.