Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

Welisizwe bridge to improve access for eMaXesibeni community

Edwin
Mon, 11/17/2025 – 10:57

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, says South Africa is prepared for a ceremonial handover of the Group of 20 (G20) Presidency to the United States, although the process may need adjustments due to that country’s absence.

This announcement follows USA President Donald Trump’s earlier declaration that no government representatives from the United States would attend the summit.

The focus is now on setting the tone for the upcoming G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration, which will revolve around the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability“.

“We are ready to hand over to the US, but… the handover is really ceremonial. If they don’t come, we will just issue the declaration, and the US will decide how they want to continue in the next year. 

“It is important that a declaration must be adopted by the countries that are present, because the institution cannot be bogged down by someone absent… If I am absent and the institution cannot function, it means for the next G20, someone [else] will have a reason not to go to the US and cite whatever [reason],” Lamola said on Monday.

Lamola was speaking at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, where he was briefing the media on South Africa’s state of readiness to host the historic G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

Thousands of international delegates, media representatives, and visitors are expected to gather at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg for the two-day summit scheduled to take place from 22 – 23 November 2025.

Preparations for the summit are on track, with numerous Heads of State and Government from G20 member countries and invited guest countries confirmed for participation.

In total, 42 countries are confirmed for participation at various levels. 

This includes 20 member States of the G20, excluding the United States; 16 guest countries and six countries representing Regional Economic Communities in Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia. 

According to Lamola, four countries – Russia, Mexico, Argentina and China – will instead be represented by Ministers or Deputies. 

“We don’t see this as a snub or undermining of Africa… In all multilateral platform events, it does happen for whatever reasons that Heads of State are not able to attend, and they will delegate.”

The Minister insisted that the summit must proceed, nonetheless.

Preparations for the G20 Social Summit, set to begin on Tuesday, 18 November, are progressing smoothly. 

The event will take place at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, with an expected attendance of 5 000 people. 

Out of this total, 4 050 participants will represent civil society and various engagement groups. 

Lamola expressed gratitude to the residents of Johannesburg and Gauteng for their patience amid the disruptions they have experienced. 

He acknowledged the ongoing efforts to minimise these disruptions, particularly concerning the roads near the venues and relevant ports of entry.

“We have seen how hosting a major event of this magnitude can be a catalyst for higher levels of service delivery, and we look forward to sustaining and expanding the improvements we have seen.

“I’ve heard of the criticism that some of the service delivery initiatives will be discontinued after the G20. I say look at electricity (sic). We were told before the last elections that the sustained period without load shedding before the… elections was because of elections. Today, we are a year and some few months after elections and without load shedding. I believe the G20 has served as a catalyst to turn the corner on service delivery in the City of Johannesburg and across the country.” – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa’s G20 Presidency has not only elevated African voices, but galvanised global momentum toward a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future.

This is according to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, who updated the media on Monday, on South Africa’s preparations ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, set to take place in Johannesburg, this weekend.

“We are not just participants in global affairs. We are determined to shape them. Our Presidency builds for the future; it does not preserve the ways of the past,” Lamola said. 

Speaking from the NASREC precinct’s historic National Arts and Sports Recreation Events Centre, Lamola situated the briefing within the broader context of South Africa’s democratic journey, describing the venue as “a living testament to South Africa’s journey of transformation and resilience.” 

He emphasised NASREC’s symbolic role as a bridge during the apartheid era and its continued relevance today. 

“This facility remains a symbol of our commitment to bridge the spatial and economic divides of our past,” Lamola said, reflecting on its proximity to historic landmarks such as the Apartheid Museum, Vilakazi Street, and Soccer City. 

Historic Moment for Africa and the Global South

Lamola described South Africa’s G20 Presidency – the first ever on African soil – as a decisive moment for the continent and the broader Global South.

“Our Presidency is a call to action as the last nation of the Global South to hold the Presidency in this cycle. A call to bridge the developmental divide between the Global North and the Global South, to champion equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” he said. 

According to the Minister, 130 of the 133 official G20 meetings have already taken place, with the Sherpa Meeting, Social Summit, and Leaders’ Summit poised to conclude what he called a “transformative journey” for South Africa and its partners.

Drawing from African values, he said Ubuntu reminds us that “I am because we are” – a timeless truth that resonates with the global commitment to Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Minister painted a picture of a country reclaiming stability. 

“The winds of change are no longer on the horizon, they are here,” he declared.

He highlighted stabilisation in energy and logistics as key milestones, crediting the leadership of the Ministry of Electricity, Eskom’s board, and its CEO for bringing load shedding to an end.

“Together, they have steered the nation, into a new era of energy security. This progress is not isolated; it is part of a broader wave of reform driven by Operation Vulindlela, which continues to unlock South Africa’s economic potential, one sector at a time.” 

Noting Operation Vulindlela’s role in structural reforms, Lamola pointed to declining unemployment, South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force [FATF] grey list, and S&P Global Ratings’ November 14 upgrade of the sovereign credit rating.

He described the upgrade as a major signal of renewed confidence, stating it lowers borrowing costs, broadens the investor base, and signals renewed confidence in the country’s reform trajectory.

G20 priorities and global leadership

Lamola outlined four key priorities that have anchored South Africa’s Presidency:
•    Strengthening disaster resilience
•    Ensuring debt sustainability
•    Mobilising finance for a just energy transition
•    Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth

The Presidency also established task forces on inclusive growth, food security, and artificial intelligence (AI).

South Africa has been instrumental in coordinating the G20@20 review, synthesising global perspectives into a high-level report to be presented at the Summit.

Following the African Union’s (AU) inclusion in the G20 in 2023, Lamola said South Africa worked hand-in-hand with the AU to ensure Africa’s development priorities are firmly embedded in global economic governance.

He cautioned that Africa is still recovering from a world order “that prized division over unity, inequality over haircuts and plunder over preservation.”

The key achievements highlighted include:
•    A highly successful G20 High-Level Dialogue in Addis Ababa on debt sustainability and capital costs.
•    Establishment of the Africa Expert Panel chaired by Trevor Manuel, which recently submitted its report to President Ramaphosa.
•    A renewed and broadened Compact with Africa aligned with Agenda 2063.
•    Outreach meetings on food security in Cairo and industrialisation in Abuja.
•    South Africa has also pushed forcefully for reform of the international financial architecture to better serve developing economies.

Legacy

Lamola announced several legacy initiatives arising from the Presidency, including the AI Initiative for Africa, the Technology Policy Assistance Facility, the G20 Clean Cooking Legacy Programme, the Africa Energy Efficiency Facility, the High-Level Principles to combat Illicit Financial Flows, the Ubuntu Approaches on Food Security and Food Price Volatility and a G20 Africa Cooperation Agenda on Trade and Investment. 

He also underscored the launch of the Report of the G20 Extraordinary Committee on Global Inequality, recommending the creation of a permanent international inequality panel modelled on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

A rising nation 

Despite persistent challenges including crime, corruption and unemployment, Lamola said South Africans have shown resilience. 

“We have proven that we are a resilient nation. As we stand at the final stages of our historic G20 Presidency, the first ever on African soil, we do so with pride and purpose,” the Minister said.

He also took a moment to celebrate the country’s sporting achievements from the Springboks to Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification as further signs of national momentum. 

“The list of positives is endless, the sky is the limit,” he said. 

As the G20 Leaders’ Summit begins, South Africa stands poised not just as host but as a global convener of solidarity, reform, and shared prosperity.

The Summit will take place from 22-23 November 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 17, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

With the international spotlight on South Africa, final preparations are underway for the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, as tourism surges and accommodation and flights reach near-full capacity.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi expressed pride in the wide-ranging improvements made by provincial and municipal teams ahead of the summit. 

“What they’ve done for the preparations, especially infrastructure, water, electricity and the beautification of the entire province, we requested departments to use their current budgets. So, there was no new money that was allocated specifically for the G20.” 

The Premier was speaking during a media briefing, where the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, updated the press on South Africa’s preparations to host the historic G20 Leaders’ Summit at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.

WATCH | 

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South Africa is gearing up to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit for the first time on African soil under this year’s theme of: ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

Thousands of international delegates, media representatives, and visitors are expected to gather at the NASREC Expo Centre in Johannesburg for the two-day summit scheduled to take place from 22 – 23 November 2025.

Lesufi recounted the weekly meetings with the Executive and national Ministers in the past four months and highlighted the resourcefulness shown.

“We’ve worked extremely hard to ensure that we fix the street lights, the traffic lights, fill the potholes and attend to issues that need to be attended to.

“And we’ve long agreed together with the Ministers, even after the G20, that those meetings will continue to be held so that we can continue to attend to some of the areas.”

The Premier noted that the city was nearly ready but warned against complacency. 

“We are almost there… I always appreciate the rain. For the first time, I don’t want the rain because it reopens the potholes and creates problems. We’re crossing our fingers that by Wednesday, the weather will behave, and we’ll be able to do the final touch-ups.

“But we’re quite happy and excited with the work done thus far. But until the session starts, we don’t think that we should sit on our laurels.” 

In terms of the summit’s economic impact, Lesufi said, almost all hotels are fully booked. 

“The airlines are fully booked to come here. Our retail stores, especially our malls, are abuzz with visitors, and our major tourist attractions [are booked].” 

Lesufi stated that the province is looking forward to attracting major tourists, hoping for returns beyond billions of rands from the summit.

“… Nasrec has never looked so beautiful, and I want to thank the team, especially the team that has been working here in Nasrec. This looks beautiful,” Lesufi said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has warned the public to avoid water courses like rivers, streams and dams, during the continuous heavy rains across Gauteng, Mpumalanga provinces, and other parts of the country, where rains have been persistent.

In a statement, the department said large parts of Gauteng have already been affected by flash floods due to the current heavy rainfall.

Residents are urged to remain indoors and avoid walking, driving or attempting to cross bridges in areas with high water levels or heavy water current.

“As the rainfall continues, most of the dams will also experience high volumes and the public is also urged to avoid being close to the dams and areas of water,” the department said.

The department also warned against recreational activities, such as swimming or fishing in areas with strong moving currents in the water.

It further appealed to groups conducting religious activities, including river baptisms, to exercise extreme caution and avoid areas with strong currents.

The warning follows a Level 9 alert issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for disruptive rain and severe thunderstorms in Gauteng and Mpumalanga over the weekend.

As part of its preventative flood management measures, the department said it has started to implement dam releases according to its safety protocols.

At the Vaal Dam, outflows were increased from 17 to 60 m³/s on Sunday morning, while Bloemhof Dam’s outflow was raised from 60 to 120 m³/s.

By Sunday morning, the both the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams were recorded at 104.07% and 98.88% capacity respectively. The department said the outflows are necessary to manage the river systems for the potential increases in inflows into the catchment, due to continuous rainfall.

However, it stressed that while the outflows are significant, they are not expected to cause rivers to overflow their banks.

The DWS reiterated its commitment to closely monitor the inflow water levels at both Vaal and Bloemhof Dams, to ensure compliance with safety protocols and protect critical infrastructure, while mitigating potential flood risks.

“Water is a very powerful force, and it cannot be taken lightly. Water safety is very important to both young and old during severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.”

Weather outlook

For Monday and Tuesday, 17–18 November 2025, partly cloudy and cool to warm conditions are expected, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over central and eastern regions, and widespread over the north-eastern regions. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially sworn into office two newly appointed members of the National Executive at a ceremony held at the Union Buildings, in Pretoria, on Monday.

In a light-hearted and historic moment, the President opened the ceremony by noting the presence of a young guest.
“This indeed is a very special swearing in of the Minister and a Deputy Minister, not so much because of that, because of that little baby in attendance. It is the very first time we swear in people and there is a little baby in attendance,” the President said. 

Willem Abraham Stephanus Aucamp was sworn in as the new Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, following his appointment in terms of Section 91(3)(b) of the Constitution. 

“Acting Deputy Judge President, designate Minister and Deputy Minister, and all in attendance in terms of the powers vested in me by Section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have decided to appoint the following person as Minister for the portfolio indicated in the signed president’s act, Mr. Willem Abraham Stefano Aucamp as Minister of Forestry, fisheries and the Environment. 

“I now request the Acting Judge President to either swear or affirm him into office,” the President said. 

Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams was then sworn in as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, appointed in terms of Section 93(1)(a) of the Constitution. 

“In terms of the powers vested in me by Section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996, I have decided to appoint following person, Ms Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams as Deputy minister in the portfolio of the of Trade, Industry and Competition, I now request the Acting Deputy Judge President to either swear or affirm her into office,” the President said. 

The ceremony, which was presided over by Acting Deputy Judge President of the Gauteng High Court Sulet Potterill was attended by members of the judiciary, senior government officials, and members of the media. 

READ | Swearing-in ceremony of new members of National Executive to be held

President Ramaphosa who celebrates his birthday today, congratulated both appointees while posing for photographs along with their families. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 17, 2025