Dereleen James Suggests G20 Guests Visit Cape Flats, South Africans Back Her Critique of Priorities
- Dereleen James has offered a suggestion ahead of the upcoming Group of 20 World Leaders’ Summit
- The ActionSA member raised awareness for the current situation playing out on the Cape Flats in the Western Cape
- Social media users questioned the government's priorities when it came to services ahead of the G20 Summit
- Residents of Johannesburg spoke to Briefly News about the changes they saw in the area ahead of the event.
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
WESTERN CAPE – It’s all systems go for the Group of 20 World Leaders’ Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, but the preparations for the event continue to draw criticism.
The G20 event will take place from 22 to 23 November 2025, with the South African government pulling out all the stops ahead of the arrival of numerous international guests.
With many citizens criticising the government for prioritising some areas just for the event, ActionSA’s Dereleen James also focused on this in a social media post.
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James’ tweet draws attention to the Cape Flats
In a short but powerful post on X (formerly Twitter), James suggested that the G20 guests visit the Cape Flats because she wanted to see what would happen. The area has been plagued by constant gang violence over the year, and despite calls for a State of Disaster to be made, the government has yet to take serious action.
Source: Getty Images
James’ tweet came in response to a statement by the Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, who confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) was fully prepared for the summit and would deal with anyone who challenged the security measures.
SAPS beefs up security for G20
On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, SAPS and the South African National Defence Force held a parade in a show of force ahead of the summit.
A total of 3,500 extra police officers have been put on standby, as well as the army, as part of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS).
General Mosikili explained that authorities were expecting protests ahead of the summit, hence extra resources were brought in.
Demonstrations are expected, as many have already voiced unhappiness that there is more focus on pleasing international guests than on dealing with the country’s current problems. The government has also condemned the instances of vandalism, which have already taken place.
Citizens have expressed frustration that cleanup efforts and infrastructure repairs were conducted only in preparation for the summit. Speaking to Briefly News, Johannesburg resident Haroon Sader stated that there was definitely more police presence on all major roads. He noted that while this was the case, other areas were left completely without visible policing.
"I trust the G20 won't have any major threats as the area itself is on extra high alert and officials are monitoring everyone in that area, but so far there has been a huge overall police and private security presence and preparation for the event," he noted.
Another resident of Sandton, who asked to remain anonymous, explained to Briefly News that she hasn't seen much change around the area, except for an increase in traffic.
"I'm on the road daily and get stuck in traffic every morning and afternoon. I haven't really seen many changes; however, you do see more police on the road."
She added that this was mainly when the black convoys were passing that the roads were blocked and there were delays. She also touched on the service delivery issues, saying that in Sandton, there were power issues, and some areas didn't even have water on the eve of the Summit.
South Africans agree with James
Social media users rallied behind James’ post, noting that emphasis was only being placed on Johannesburg ahead of the summit.
@Lethabo436411 noted:
There is high police visibility around Sandton, Ekurhuleni, Midrand, Waterkloof and Centurion. I never thought we had such police forces in South Africa.”
@MadooraMopedi said:
“They’re protecting G20 more than the taxpayers.”
@AppollisPe69411 stated:
“I wish they had this collaborative effort in gang areas. Five days of this and the problem will be done and dusted.”
@SelloMashw82129 said:
“It shows that law enforcement doesn't care about the lives of South Africans but of the two-day visitors. The African National Congress doesn't care about us, but only money.”
@PostiveImpact89 suggested:
“They would be well protected even if they go there.”
@ThandoNoku56376 said:
“Lol, that is not going to happen.”
Presidency dismisses calls for State of Disaster
Briefly News reported that the Presidency has responded to calls for a State of Disaster to be declared in the Western Cape.
Calls have been made as gang violence escalates in the province, leading to the constant loss of lives.
The Democratic Alliance has blamed the government for starving the province of resources to fight crime.
Source: Briefly News
