Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

President of the Republic of Türkiye, Tayyip Erdoğan, says his country remains committed to supporting a lasting truce and contributing to the reconstruction of Gaza, and he has commended South Africa for standing firmly with Palestinians.

“South Africa’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause is valuable; they demonstrated an exemplary stance against the Gaza genocide. 

“As the whole world was watching crimes against humanity in Gaza, our friends in South Africa did not turn their backs. On behalf of my country and nation, I salute South Africa for its brave stand through the case they filed at the International Court of Justice (ICJ),” President Erdoğan said on Sunday.

He addressed the media after the successful conclusion of the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. 

“It is crucial to implement a two-State formula for a lasting solution. Global peace cannot be fully ensured, unless a free Palestinian State is established based on the 1967 borders, with East al-Quds as its capital.”

President Erdoğan emphasised that mitigating the consequences of destruction in Gaza is a global responsibility, and called for humanitarian aid and reconstruction support.

“We will maintain our principled stance on this issue for the peace, security, and well-being of the oppressed Palestinian people, our entire region, and humanity.” 

He stated that his country is determined to support the Palestinian people, as it always has.

Since October 2023, Türkiye has provided 100 000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, including food, medical supplies and shelter, demonstrating steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people amid Israel’s ongoing attacks.

During the two-day summit, the President Erdoğan presented his country’s perspectives on combating climate change, pursuing green transformation, achieving sustainable development, and addressing the influence of technological advancements on development policies.

“We held bilateral meetings with other participating leaders and consulted on important issues.” 

Between yesterday and today, President Erdoğan  and government officials met with many leaders, including the Heads of State and Government of Australia, Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Canada, Angola, Ethiopia, France, Brazil, Malaysia, Italy and Singapore. 

They also had meetings with the United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the European Commission, and representatives of some international organisations.

“At this year’s summit as well, we once again emphasised that the motto, ‘Leave no one behind’, should serve as the compass for the international community.

“We expressed the need to build a more inclusive and resilient global economy in which no one is left behind,” President Erdoğan said.

During the summit, the leaders of MIKTA, a diverse and cross-regional group of democracies consisting of Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia, gathered and issued a joint press statement.

“We will further strengthen our cooperation with MIKTA countries – all of which are also G20 members – in the period ahead,” President Erdoğan said.

He expressed gratitude to South Africa for its hospitality and said he was particularly pleased that the G20 Summit was held in Africa for the first time. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

International media delegates and guests have lauded South Africa’s world-class hosting of the G20 Summit, praising the country’s warmth, organisation and an exceptional media experience that many described as among the best they have ever encountered.

Speaking to SAnews on the ground at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, journalists and researchers reflected on a summit that not only delivered diplomatically, but also demonstrated South Africa’s capacity to host global events with precision and heart.

Over the past week, thousands of journalists, researchers and communication specialists descended on the purpose-built media hub, a centre South Africa’s government prepared with meticulous detail, extensive facilities and round-the-clock support.

From seamless logistics to generous catering and an atmosphere described as “warm” and “inclusive”, the media centre became a showcase of South Africa’s ability to host global events at scale.

For Ching Yi Chang of the Shanghai Media Group in China, this was his sixth G20 and one that immediately stood out.

“South Africa is one of the best, I feel. People [are] very welcoming. The atmosphere and people [are] very nice. All the facilities in the media center and everything is just perfect. I love it,” he told SAnews.

Chang, like many others, spoke glowingly about the catering.

“It’s good. I definitely want to try the lunch again and see different kinds of food. The experience is really great”, he said with a laugh. 

Canada’s G20 Research Group, based at the University of Toronto, described South Africa’s hosting as a benchmark for future summits.

Researcher Irene Wu said the experience exceeded expectations from the moment she arrived.

“I just want to share my key takeaways and how I found the overall summit in South Africa. It’s been absolutely amazing. The people have been so welcoming and hospitable, and we really felt the warmth of the country.

“It really just shows you your future directions for how summits will go in terms of inclusiveness, and [representation] of countries in the Global South,” she said. 

Wu said she was struck by the efficiency and accessibility of the media centre.

“The minute I stepped in here, I was shocked by how well organised everything was. I attended the Rio Summit last year, and I will say the level of organisation, the networks of people, in terms of the staff, also with the road closures and all that, it was done in a very well organised way, and also considerate of foreigners, who aren’t really used to the geography here,” she explained.

She praised the availability of information, the openness of staff and the ease with which researchers and media could navigate briefings.

“It’s been a really great process, and it helps us in doing our research,” she added.

Her colleague Mahek Kaur, a co-chair of Summit Studies at the G20 Research Group, echoed the sentiment.

“From the moment we walked into the media center, we knew this was going to be different. It was very well organised, and there’s a space again for media briefings in the main hall, which is always incredible,” she said. 

Kaur praised the hospitality and warmth of South Africans inside and outside the summit venue.

“Everyone here… has been so hospitable and so lovely. Sometimes it’s really difficult to be able to get into the right room and figure things out. Everyone here has been so wonderful,” she told SAnews.

Reflecting on the summit’s progress, she said the early adoption of the leaders’ declaration spoke to the success of the South African presidency.

“Compared to some other summits that we’ve been a part of, we think this has been incredibly well organised and well run. We’re very pleased to be here,” Kaur said. 

For seasoned US-based SABC correspondent, Sherwin Bryce-Pease, covering the G20 at home – and witnessing the competence of the hosts – was a “beautiful moment”.

“What a beautiful moment, as South African media, in particular, what a beautiful moment to observe the proficiency of the South African government, how they’ve led this process, how Member States have coalesced around this presidency,” he said.

Calling it a historic milestone, the first G20 in South Africa and the first on African soil, Bryce-Pease said the outcome reflected Africa’s growing influence.

“Critical minerals are going to be important. I think South Africa has put on a good show…. South Africa… has hosted the World Cup, they’ve hosted the Rugby World Cup, they’ve hosted major events. This is not new terrain for South Africa,” he said. 

For him, covering the summit was witnessing history in real time.

“I’m very pleased to have been part of a process that has been historic… in terms of development on the African continent, development around the world, but also in terms of economic prosperity for all people everywhere,” he said.

Across interviews, one thread was consistent: South Africa’s G20 media centre was not just functional, it was exemplary.

Delegates described it as welcoming, efficient, well-staffed and thoughtfully designed, with many calling it one of the best media environments they have experienced at any global summit.

For many who travelled thousands of kilometres to Johannesburg, it wasn’t just the summit or the media centre they will remember; it was the warmth, food, energy and generosity that made South Africa’s G20 experience unforgettable. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

In a landmark event that has positioned Africa at the centre of global diplomacy, South Africa successfully hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit, delivering a strong message of international collaboration and economic solidarity.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, emphatically declared the summit “a victory for multilateralism”, highlighting the growing global consensus. 

“Ironically, yesterday, the COP30 Declaration was also adopted in Brazil. It’s clear that multilateralism is growing and is being reaffirmed by all countries of the world. There’s an understanding that multilateralism serves us well, all of us across the globe,” Lamola said on Sunday. 

The Minister was speaking to the media after President Cyril Ramaphosa wrapped up the two-day summit in Johannesburg. 

Lamola said the Global South is now demonstrating a level of leadership not previously seen, while acknowledging that the international institutions established after the Second World War have served the world well.

“We need to maintain them, but obviously, there is a need to reform some of them, like the United Nations Security Council and other platforms. There is a need for reform to ensure that [they are] representative of the Global South. 

“That’s why South Africa’s position with regards to the Security Council is reform to reflect the reality that most conflicts the Security Council deals with are on the African continent.”

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said that leaders are expected to take the recommendations emerging from the G20 Summit into upcoming meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in April next year. 

The Finance Minister clarified that the G20 Summit is an international event focused on discussions rather than physical infrastructure. 

According to Godongwana, its purpose is to explore how countries can work together to tackle global economic challenges and to convert those solutions into meaningful support for emerging economies, including South Africa.

At this G20 Summit, the reform of the international financial architecture was once again a central focus. 

The proposals and commitments emerging from these discussions will now be advanced through the relevant multilateral platforms to ensure continued progress.

In addition, Godongwana stressed the success of the event in profiling South Africa as a top emerging economy, with delegates and Presidents acknowledging it. 

“All the delegates present here – and as you would have heard from the Presidents who addressed you – have expressed that this has been a highly successful event.”

Successful summit

Meanwhile, Lamola said South Africa’s hosting was celebrated as a monumental achievement. 

“South Africans have been amazing. Throughout the working group meetings held across the country – from Table Mountain and other venues in Cape Town, to KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, the Kruger National Park, Limpopo, Sun City, the Pilanesberg, and now here in Gauteng, as we close the curtain. It has been a huge success,” said a pleased Lamola.

He said the event’s legacy extends beyond diplomatic discussions, especially in Gauteng and other parts of the country where it was launched. 

He highlighted key initiatives like the Compact with Africa, with discussions on critical issues such as debt, capital costs, and climate change financing.

The Ministers said the African Development Bank and the United Commission for Africa will now take ownership of critical reports, and institutionalising recommendations that could reshape economic strategies.

As the United States prepares to assume the G20 Presidency on 1 December, South Africa can now reflect on a summit that has significantly elevated the continent’s global standing, championing multilateralism and collaborative global governance.

“This has been a great success for our country, and I believe that South Africans can stand tall that they have hosted the world. They’ve announced that they can continue to be a prime platform to host international events and to shape international geopolitical issues,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za 

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday brought the curtain down on the first-ever G20 Summit hosted on African soil, delivering a powerful, unifying message before striking the gavel that symbolically closed one of the most significant moments in South Africa’s democratic history.

The closing ceremony at the Johannesburg Expo Centre was charged with emotion, triumph and global solidarity. 

As the President delivered his final remarks, the atmosphere inside the plenary hall and media centre shifted from formality to history unfolding in real time.

“Let us move forward together, demonstrating to the world that we have the capacity to confront and overcome the world’s challenges. Through partnerships across society, and by remembering our common humanity, we can create a more secure, a more just and a more prosperous world. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind,” the President said. 

He then raised the gavel, looked across the room filled with world leaders and declared: “I now say that this gavel of this G20 Summit formally closes this summit and now moves on to the next president of the G20, which is the United States… The summit is therefore closed.”

The room erupted into applause, while the media centre broke into song as government officials and journalists celebrated a successfully delivered G20 Summit. And in true South African fashion, no historic moment is ever complete without a song.

Journalists from across the world joined in celebrating a summit many thought would be overshadowed by political tensions and geopolitical boycotts. Instead, South Africa delivered a world-class event — well-managed, secure, and grounded in a vision of development that placed Africa at its centre.

A moment of brotherhood on the global stage

Immediately after closing the summit, President Ramaphosa embraced his “friend and comrade”, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the leader from whom he took the G20 reins last year. The two shared an emotional moment, a testament to a journey that began with serious challenges but ended with global acclaim.

Other Heads of State followed, hugging and congratulating President Ramaphosa for what many described as a seamlessly executed and deeply meaningful G20 Presidency.

One could see the pride on their faces, a collective acknowledgment that South Africa had not only delivered but had lifted the bar for what a G20 Summit on the African continent could look like.

A Presidency that defied the odds

South Africa’s G20 year was not without turbulence. From the outset, the Presidency faced global political fractures, most notably a boycott by the United States at key moments of the preparatory process. Yet, even with these complications, President Ramaphosa steered a Presidency defined by unity, consensus and developmental ambition.

This week, South Africa achieved what many thought was impossible — securing a Leaders’ Declaration supported across the G20, reaffirming multilateral cooperation at a time when global diplomacy is under immense strain.

“The G20 South Africa Summit Leaders’ Declaration is more than words – it is a commitment to concrete actions that will improve the lives of people in every part of the world. Our agreement on a declaration during this summit demonstrates the value of the G20 as a forum that can facilitate joint action on issues of shared concern.
 
“More than that, it reaffirms our renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and our recognition that our shared goals outweigh our differences,” the President said. 
 
Africa at the heart of the G20

In his closing remarks, President Ramaphosa reminded the world that hosting the G20 on African soil was a reorientation of global priorities. 

“The greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century lies in Africa,” he said, framing the continent as a driving force for future growth, innovation, mineral beneficiation, climate resilience and energy transition.  

Over the year, South Africa championed action on poverty and inequality, increased climate finance for developing economies, reform of multilateral development banks, support for debt-laden low- and middle-income countries, investment in disaster risk reduction, the G20 Critical Minerals Framework and acceleration towards the Sustainable Development Goals. 

South Africa also completed the G20@20 Review, a first-of-its-kind reflection on two decades of the G20’s evolution, offering recommendations to ensure the forum remains fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world.

“At the heart of our Presidency lies a conviction that the G20 must act boldly, and act together, to create an environment of inclusive growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development,” he said. 

A legacy of solidarity, justice and shared prosperity

President Ramaphosa concluded his Presidency with a message that captured the spirit of the African-hosted G20. 

“Together, we must accelerate progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future. We have laid the foundation of solidarity. Now we must build the walls of justice and the roof of prosperity,” he said.

As he closed the summit and acknowledged the United States as the next G20 President, the significance of the moment was undeniable.

South Africa did not merely host a G20 Summit, it reshaped the character of the forum, reclaimed its developmental focus, and re-centred its agenda around the priorities of Africa and the Global South. 

Instead of ending amid political tension or diplomatic strain, the summit closed with scenes of unity, warm embraces between leaders, broad smiles, celebratory singing in the media centre, and a shared acknowledgement that South Africa had delivered a successful and historic event.

It was the first G20 Summit to be held on African soil, a Presidency that weathered geopolitical challenges and defied expectations, and ultimately, a closing moment that will stand as one of the defining images of South Africa’s year at the helm of the G20. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, on Sunday provided insights into complex international trade negotiations, emphasising multilateral cooperation and Africa’s emerging strategic role.

In an interview with media during the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, Tau highlighted the main theme of the summit — ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’ — which focused on overcoming diplomatic challenges, particularly trade policies and the notable absence of the United States.

The leaders adopted the G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration on the climate crisis and other global challenges at the very start of their summit on Saturday, breaking with long-standing tradition. 

After weeks of challenging discussions and without the involvement of the United States, South Africa managed to achieve consensus on its own terms.

The G20 Declaration commits major economies to tackling global inequality, reforming international financial systems to ease debt pressures on developing countries and boosting inclusive growth, with a strong focus on Africa and the broader Global South. 

It also emphasises climate action, renewable energy transitions, and strengthened multilateral cooperation to advance peace, sustainability and development worldwide.

Tau underscored the Summit’s significance, saying: “It doesn’t mean that when you get to a declaration, it was all easy. There are tough, intense negotiations between the governments that are here.”

Tau also highlighted Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s announcement regarding China’s commitment to collaborate with South Africa on multilateral trade and a zero-tariff initiative.

During a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, before the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Li expressed Beijing’s readiness to partner with Pretoria in protecting the multilateral trading system and advancing the prompt implementation of a zero-tariff policy for South African products.

“We welcome China’s introduction of a zero-tariff regime. In practice, this is applied immediately for developed countries. For developing countries, China has indicated that implementation will align with the World Trade Organisation’s Most Favoured Nation principle. We are actively engaging with them on this basis.” 

In the meantime, the Minister said South Africa will need to go through its Customs Union and engage with stakeholders, including labour, civil society and business.

“So, it’s going through the processes, and we anticipate that we’ll be able to reach an agreement with China.”

The United States’ non-attendance emerged as a significant discussion point. 

Tau noted that the G20 outcomes have been significant, as they addressed global trade issues, the World Trade Organisation, a rules-based system, financing for development, and debt.

“All those issues are important for the entire world, and it is quite unfortunate that their voice was not coming across in these meetings.” 

Tau emphasised that trade discussions are ongoing, noting that they have “compartmentalised these issues” and continue to engage with the United States government.

The Minister outlined a robust implementation strategy, saying that progress will be tracked through a number of agreements, the impact on the multilateral system, and positions presented in multilateral platforms.

However, he believes that the most compelling takeaway was Africa’s increasingly prominent role in global trade discussions. 

Tau said the focus is now on implementation and ensuring that the outcomes of the G20 find expression in bilateral agreements and multilateral platforms.

“The President has established two advisory panels to ensure that we can effectively track progress. Our discussions focus on using these mechanisms to follow up on the priorities we have placed on the agenda. The Africa Agenda is now firmly on the table, and we are looking at concrete mechanisms for implementation, while also monitoring progress driven by other countries.

“Ultimately, the obligation rests with us as a country to follow through – and we are doing so with clarity and determination,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero says the seamless execution of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg is proof that the metro has the capacity, systems, and stability to deliver high quality services consistently, not only for global events but for residents every day.

Speaking to media at Nasrec on Sunday, Morero described the summit’s opening day as a milestone that demonstrated both Johannesburg’s improved logistical muscle and the continent’s strengthened voice in global governance.

“From where I am sitting, I think the G20 was successful from a logistics point of view, whether it’s traffic management, movement of Heads of State and delegates from the hotel to the main venue and everywhere else has been very smooth,” he said.

Morero said the G20 Declaration itself puts Africa in a better position to advance on issues that have been affecting the continent, from climate change to debt reform, emphasising that African governments must push forward to achieve the reforms they seek.

Over the past several weeks, Johannesburg has undergone an extensive revitalisation drive that has been visible across all seven regions. Roads have been resurfaced, public areas cleaned, intersections repaired, and long-standing service delivery backlogs tackled as part of intensified Mayoral High-Impact Service Delivery Programmes.

This visible turnaround has left many residents wondering why the City cannot look like this every day and whether the improvements were solely to impress international guests.

Morero insists the upgrades were not cosmetic, nor were they special budget interventions for the G20.

“As you know in June, we passed a fully funded budget covering all the seven regions and this region [where the Summit is being held] is part of those. We didn’t have to top up on anything for G20. We just had to implement what we have budgeted for,” he said.

The City has the capacity to turn around

The Mayor said the improvements reflect the internal stabilisation and management reform efforts he initiated upon taking office.

“I said when I came into office that the City has capacity to turn around. Part of my work was to ensure that I deal with constraints within the management teams… because part of the problem… is a management issue.

“So [we dealt] with that and that is why we’re beginning to see results, political stability and stability at the level of mayoral committees. All of us focused on one objective, on one job, and that is why we are seeing the results now,” Morero said. 

He explained that from November to June, the City had been setting up systems and correcting internal blockages. 

“Now we are seeing the results that we want. They are not really where we want them to be. There are still issues that I have to address internally to get management and supervision to happen,” he said. 

When asked whether this level of service delivery would continue once the G20 delegations departed, Morero offered a simple test.

“Check us on Tuesday. If we are not on the ground on Tuesday, then it means we were doing it for the G20. But if you see us in all the regions continuing to unblock service delivery failures through what we call the Mayoral High-Impact Service Delivery Programme, we’ll be there in all the regions as we continue to do so,” he said. 

A glimpse of a Joburg that works

The G20 has not only positioned Johannesburg on the global stage, it has shown residents what a well-managed, well-coordinated and responsive City can look like. As leaders begin to depart and everyday life resumes, Morero says the true measure of progress will be what happens next week, next month, and into the new year.

For now, he maintains that the systems, budget, and political will are finally aligned and that the “City that works for all” is no longer a slogan, but a work in steady progress. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Following the successful first day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has now shifted its operational focus to the coordinated departure of Heads of State, senior officials, and international delegations leaving the country over the next 24 to 48 hours.

“The BMA remains fully committed to ensuring smooth facilitation, strengthened security controls, and uninterrupted operations throughout the departure phase of the G20 Leaders’ Summit,” the Authority said on Sunday.

BMA officials across all key operational areas are working around the clock to manage the exit leg of the Summit. 

This includes ongoing liaison with foreign mission desks to obtain up-to-date departure schedules, identify any special facilitation requests, and ensure synchronised coordination among specialised BMA functions responsible for executive processing, security screening, and immigration management.

South Africa is this weekend hosting Heads of State and Government from the world’s largest economies at the first G20 Summit held on African soil under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

During this period, no G20-related movements were processed through Land Ports of Entry (LPoEs), and all designated land ports remain on standby should ground transport contingencies need to be activated. 

The BMA specialised functions of port health, port agriculture, port environmental and biosecurity services, as well as intelligence support and border law enforcement continue with their work to manage movements efficiently and securely across all operational areas. 

“These teams remain fully deployed to ensure that every departure is facilitated with precision, that security protocols are upheld without compromise, and that South Africa’s border environment remains stable as the Summit enters its final phase,” BMA said.

The Authority continues to actively participate in the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) National Coordinating Committee meetings, where BMA representatives provide real-time updates on border-related operations, and respond to any matters affecting national security or the smooth flow of Summit movements.

“During routine enforcement operations at OR Tambo International Airport, BMA officials intercepted a high-risk consignment in the international passenger arrivals inspection area. 

“A passenger was found in possession of 64 Chinese mitten crabs, a species classified as prohibited for importation into South Africa. The individual was immediately arrested, and the matter has been handed over to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Enforcement Unit for further action,” BMA said.

This interception demonstrates the Authority’s continued vigilance and commitment to protecting South Africa’s biosecurity, even amid heightened Summit-related pressures.

“The professionalism and dedication of our teams continue to uphold South Africa’s reputation for efficient, secure, and world-class border management during major international events.

“The BMA executive teams remain on the ground to support the work of the operational teams at O.R. Tambo, Lanseria International Airport and Waterkloof Airforce, base led by the Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato,” the Authority said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has urged India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) partners to deepen collaboration, complement one another’s development priorities and demonstrate a model of sustainable development to the world. 

Addressing the high-level IBSA meeting on the sidelines of the second day of the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday, the Prime Minister highlighted cooperation opportunities in areas such as millets, natural farming, disaster resilience, green energy, traditional medicines and health security. 

During the high-level meeting, convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa and attended by the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio, Modi proposed an IBSA Fund for Climate Resilient Agriculture to further advance South-South cooperation.

IBSA is a forum that brings together India, Brazil and South Africa – three large democracies and major economies from three different continents, facing similar challenges.

The forum was established to deepen South-South cooperation, coordinate positions on global issues, and promoting trilateral partnerships.

“The Prime Minister stressed that global governance institutions are far removed from 21st century realities. He called on IBSA to send a strong message that reform of institutions of global governance, in particular the United Nations Security Council, is now not an option, but an imperative.

“On counterterrorism, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for close coordination and that there should be no room for double standards while fighting terrorism,” a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.

While highlighting technology’s crucial role in ensuring human-centric development, Prime Minister Modi proposed establishing an ‘IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance’ to facilitate sharing of Digital Public Infrastructure like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), health platforms like CoWIN [Winning Over COVID], cybersecurity frameworks and women-led tech initiatives among the three countries.

“The Prime Minister also emphasised IBSA’s potential to contribute to the development of safe, trustworthy and human-centric Artificial Intelligence norms. He invited IBSA leaders to the AI Impact Summit to be held in India next year,” the Ministry said.

South Africa is hosting Heads of State and Government from the world’s largest economies at the first G20 Summit held on African soil under the theme: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

G20 members represent 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

It comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and since 2023, the African Union. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has described the first day of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg as a “very successful” opening that delivered a landmark declaration prioritising Africa and the developing world.

Speaking to SAnews at the G20 media centre in Nasrec, Ntshavheni said the declaration, adopted “by acclamation” and agreed to by an overwhelming majority of G20 countries, reflects Africa’s growing influence in shaping global governance.

“What was important on day one was the declaration that was agreed to by an overwhelming majority of delegates of countries through the Sherpa’s negotiations, and it was accepted by acclamation. 

“That declaration is important, not only because it comes from the African soil, but because it’s a declaration that prioritises the interest of Africa and the developing world,” she said. 

The Minister noted that the President had shared a remarkable detail that the word “Africa” appears 80 times in the declaration – the most in the history of the G20. 

“The President was saying last night that somebody took [a count] of the number of times where Africa is mentioned in the declaration, and for the first time… Africa is referred to 80 times in the declaration. And it’s not only important because of the reference to Africa, it’s also because the agenda prioritises African interest,” Ntshavheni told SAnews. 

Reflecting on the momentum of the summit, the Minister said South Africa is encouraged by the unity shown on key issues. 

“So for us, yesterday was a very successful day, and also that there is consensus in terms of the G20 agenda and what countries, the nations of the G20 must focus on,” she said.

A declaration shaped by crisis, climate resilience, and development needs

Ntshavheni said leaders used the opening sessions to confront shared global challenges, particularly climate change, rising inequality, and unsustainable debt levels in developing countries.

“You have seen in our own country what keeps on happening in the coastal provinces. There been floods that have wreaked havoc. G20 is also sitting when the Caribbean islands have been affected by huge storms… It meant that the G20 leaders needed to focus on that,” she said. 

South Africa had successfully placed inequality, access to finance, and debt sustainability on the agenda.

“We’ve put on the agenda the issue of the inequalities and the unsustainable debt levels of African countries and developing countries,” she said. 

The Minister said discussions also focused on building long-term disaster resilience.

“It’s important that we build disaster resilience… We were putting in place programmes that talk about how to make sure we also prevent the disasters,” she said, extending condolences to Caribbean nations recently hit by devastating storms.

Social Summit priorities carried into the leaders’ declaration

The Minister welcomed the alignment between the outcomes of the recently concluded G20 Social Summit and the main G20 Declaration, noting that key social priorities had been successfully elevated to leader level. 

“We were very clear on two fronts at the Social Summit. One, the projects at the social Summit, and also its own declarations and its priorities, were projects that we as a country, and also the other participating countries will be able to implement all on our own,” the Minister said. 

She emphasised that social issues raised by civil society, labour, business, youth and community leaders were not sidelined.

“… We also [focused on] debt sustainability [and] access to financing and funding. We have those items covered through in the main declaration, so it was quite successful and as a country, we are quite happy,” she said. 

Ntshavheni said this affirmed South Africa’s commitment that the Social Summit “is not a tick box exercise” but a meaningful contributor to the leaders’ agenda.

“It’s an exercise that will make sure that the contribution of the leaders of society is included in the final declaration of the leaders of the G20,” she said.

No handover ceremony at the Summit

Clarifying the summit’s closing process, Ntshavheni said there would be no traditional handover ceremony between South Africa and the United States.

“Today, there will be a final round of discussions on particular themes. Leaders will express their views. But what we need to clarify is that we are not going to have a handover ceremony. We’re going to have a closing ceremony after the third session of the summit,” she explained.

She said the United States – the incoming G20 President – had informed South Africa that it would not participate in the summit but would only attend a handover event. However, the US is represented in Johannesburg by a Chargé d’Affaires, which complicates protocol. 

“The United States of America must take over from South Africa, however, the United States of America indicated that they don’t want to participate in the summit but participate in the handover ceremony. 

“They are sending us a Chargé d’Affaire. However, our President cannot hand over to an official of government. It doesn’t work that way in terms of applicable international protocols. As a result, South Africa has arranged for the formal handover to take place at the DIRCO offices sometime next week with the official equivalent to that of the Chargé d’Affaires,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za