Category: South Africa Government

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the historic G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Johannesburg over the weekend a “success” that has placed Africa firmly at the heart of the leading intergovernmental forum’s agenda.

The President addressed the nation through the weekly newsletter released on Monday.

“Over the past two days, our country hosted leaders from around the world for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. 

“This is the first time that the G20 has been hosted on African soil. Recognising the importance of this milestone, we have placed Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda,” he said.

The President noted that South Africa’s participation in the G20 is critical not only for cementing the country’s role in international affairs but also to “support our own growth and create jobs for South Africans”.

“We can only achieve these objectives in an environment of global stability, inclusive growth and a level playing field,” President Ramaphosa said.

During the summit, leaders reached consensus for a declaration.

Commitments were also made aimed at addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

“We secured a clear commitment from the international community to address the high levels of debt which divert spending by developing economies – including our own – on infrastructure, health and education.

“The G20 leaders agreed on the need for increased global investment for climate action. This will be crucial for South Africa as we undertake a just energy transition to a low carbon economy in a manner that protects workers, businesses and communities.

“We have secured international agreement on a new approach to critical minerals so that they become a source of prosperity and sustainable development in the countries that produce them. 

“This supports our own ambition to use our extensive endowment of minerals to become a leading global player, while ensuring that beneficiation takes place in South Africa and creates jobs in mining areas,” President Ramaphosa said.

The People’s G20

At the beginning of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, government made it clear that inclusivity of all of society would be at the forefront of the presidency – a promise that was kept.

“This has been the People’s G20. It has given new prominence to engagement groups from across global society, bringing together sectors like business, labour, parliaments, scientists, think tanks, women, young people, start-ups, civil society, mayors and the media.

“We can be proud of what South Africa has achieved in hosting a successful G20 Presidency and guiding countries towards agreement on complex and important issues. This has been the historic effort to which all South Africans have contributed.

“We thank all the members of different social sectors who participated in the engagement groups and in other G20 activities throughout the year,” President Ramaphosa noted.

He also expressed gratitude to the government leaders, G20 Sherpas and “government officials who guided the deliberations with wisdom and purpose”.

“Above all, we thank each and every South African for contributing to this success, and for showing the world the strength of our values, the generosity of our people and the power of what we can achieve when we work together. Many of the foreign leaders and delegates who came to our country recognised what our Ubuntu spirit is all about.

“The success of the G20 Leader’s Summit, together with the improving performance of our economy and growing confidence in our reform programme, shows that South Africa is a country on the rise,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called for unified and coordinated action across all spheres of government, warning that fragmented approaches continue to undermine service delivery and erode public confidence.

Speaking at the Special Premier’s Coordinating Forum (PCF) at the Archie Gumede Conference Centre in Durban, on Friday, Ntuli said the province must sharpen alignment between national, provincial and local structures to improve developmental outcomes.

The forum brought together national, provincial and local political champions, Members of the Executive Council, mayors, municipal leaders, Amakhosi, civil society representatives and the private sector. It aimed to strengthen cooperation and ensure strategic alignment across government.

The session followed the Special Extended President’s Coordinating Council held on 18 September 2025, where President Cyril Ramaphosa urged all spheres of government to strengthen coherence and reinforced joint planning and implementation.

In response, KwaZulu-Natal convened the expanded PCF to clarify roles, streamline responsibilities, and enhance the District Development Model (DDM) as the foundation for integrated planning.

Ntuli stressed that the PCF remains a critical platform for aligning government strategies, addressing systemic challenges, and ensuring that national, provincial and municipal programmes complement each another.

A key focus of the meeting was the institutionalisation of the DDM.

“The DDM is not simply a coordination tool but a practical mechanism for synchronising planning, mobilising resources and ensuring that all spheres work collectively through the One Plan for each district and metro. The bi-annual reports on DDM progress must now be submitted to both the President’s Coordinating Council and Cabinet, strengthening accountability and oversight,” the Premier said.

Local government capacity featured prominently in the Premier’s address. Ntuli emphasised that municipalities remain the frontline of service delivery and must be strengthened to fulfil their constitutional mandate.

“The province is prioritising support for municipalities to improve financial management, stabilise governance, enhance infrastructure planning and accelerate investment in water, sanitation, electricity distribution, road maintenance and climate-resilient development,” Ntuli said.

The Premier further highlighted community safety, social cohesion, and crime prevention as essential drivers of sustainable local development. He committed the province to deeper collaboration with SAPS, traditional leaders, Community Policing Forums, youth formations, faith-based organisations, and civil society to build safer communities and protect economic activity.

Ntuli also underscored the need for stronger partnerships beyond government, including with traditional institutions, the private sector, academia, and development partners, to ensure that solutions are rooted in community realities and that implementation benefits from diverse expertise.

Encouraging open and constructive dialogue during the session, he urged stakeholders to reflect honestly on successes, shortcomings, and opportunities for strengthening intergovernmental coordination.

Ntuli said the forum marked the beginning of a renewed cycle of collaboration and implementation and called for continuous communication and mutual support beyond the meeting.

Closing the session, Premier Ntuli expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their commitment to building a coordinated, capable, and developmental state. He reaffirmed the provincial; government’s dedication to strengthening intergovernmental relations and ensuring that the people of KwaZulu-Natal feel the impact of aligned planning, unified governance, and collaborative leadership.  

The Special Premier’s Coordinating Forum will continue its work through structured engagements and follow-up sessions to monitor progress, implement decisions, and support the realisation of KwaZulu-Natal’s developmental priorities. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

Monday, November 24, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has paid tribute to Judge Leonora van den Heever who has passed away at the age of 99. 

Van den Heever was the first woman ever to serve as a judge in South Africa.

“Known for her sharp wit, humanity, and rigorous legal mind, she transformed the judiciary not only through her historic firsts but through the substance of her contributions.

“Her career opened doors for generations of women in law and remains a lasting example of judicial excellence,” Kubayi said.

The Minister also noted that Judge van den Heever’s appointment as the first woman judge in South Africa was ground-breaking and instrumental in the transformation of the country’s judiciary, as it paved the way for generations of women judges who have since followed in her footsteps.

She described van den Heever as a “pioneering and principled jurist whose legacy is defined by integrity, courage, and a deep commitment to justice.”

“The late judge broke significant barriers while upholding exceptional standards of clarity, independence, and fairness. Judge van den Heever’s significant body of work included landmark judgments protecting citizens’ rights, such as issuing an interdict against police harassment of students, and firmly correcting trial irregularities in magistrates’ courts to safeguard fair procedure.”

The Minister added that Judge van den Heever made a significant contribution to interpreting the Divorce Act, emphasising that a divorce should be granted only when there is clear and demonstrable evidence of the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage.

“Known for her sharp wit, humanity, and rigorous legal mind, she transformed the judiciary not only through her historic firsts but through the substance of her contributions. Her career opened doors for generations of women in law and remains a lasting example of judicial excellence,” Kubayi said.

The judiciary – led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, also sent their condolences to van den Heever’s family.

The Chief Justice said: “To her family, we offer our heartfelt condolences. The Judiciary mourns with you and honours her memory. To her former colleagues, the legal fraternity and all whose lives she touched – may we continue to emulate her strength of character and her unshakeable faith in the power of the law to serve society”.

A career of distinction

In a statement, the Office of the Chief Justice described van den Heever’s career as distinguished and a “testament to courage and perseverance”.

“As South Africa’s first female judge, first appointed in 1969, she shattered a formidable glass ceiling at a time when the bench was the exclusive preserve for male Judges.

“Later, in 1991, she became the first woman to serve permanently at the Appellate Division which became the Supreme Court of Appeal. Her pioneering presence opened doors for women in the Judiciary law, and her legacy lives on in the many who follow in her footsteps,” the statement read.

Van den Heever retired from the bench in 1996.

“Her legal mind was sharp, principled. She rendered judgments of clarity and conviction, moulding legal doctrine with integrity and a sense of justice that transcended the courtroom.

“Beyond her role in the Judiciary, she was a woman of culture and an author of note. She wrote children’s books, short stories, and contributed to significantly to South African literary life. Her commitments extended also into service on cultural boards, poetry, and the arts,” the office said.

She was awarded numerous honours including an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD), “recognising not only her legal acumen but her unwavering dedication to justice and fairness”.

“Justice Leonora Van den Heever leaves behind a legacy that is both enduring and transformational. She reminds us that courage and conviction can reshape institutions and open pathways where none existed before. Though she has passed from this world, her spirit endures in the very fabric of our courts.

“May she rest in peace, and may her life continue to inspire our judicial service and pursuit of justice,” the statement concluded.– SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s office has described his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday in Johannesburg as an opportunity to further South Africa’s strategic goals in trade, investment, industrialisation, multilateral cooperation, and governance, while also strengthening political and diplomatic relations with China.

“During the meeting, Deputy President Mashatile emphasised South Africa’s readiness to expand value-added exports, attract greater Chinese investment in beneficiation, manufacturing, renewable energy and digital sectors, integrating South African firms into Chinese and global value chains for inclusive growth and job creation, especially for the youth,” the Presidency said in a statement.

After President Ramaphosa’s State Visit and Deputy President Mashatile’s visit to China in July 2025, this high-level engagement aimed to strengthen and enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.

G20 leaders have reached an overwhelming consensus to adopt the declaration during the G20 Leaders’ Summit held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. 

Deputy President Mashatile expressed gratitude for China’s substantial financial and developmental support for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and its other initiatives.

South Africa’s second-in-command expressed gratitude for China’s support, highlighting its generous donations of R5.34 million to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, as well as an additional R36.8 million to support South Africa’s G20 Presidency and Summit. 

During a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday, before the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Premier 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.

In China, the Premier is the highest administrative position in the government of China and heads the State Council, and is responsible for organising and administering the Chinese civil bureaucracy.

South Africa is set to participate in the 4th Session of the South Africa-China High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) and the 13th South Africa-China Strategic Dialogue, both taking place in Beijing in December 2025.

Following this, in March 2026, South Africa will host China for the Bi-National Commission (BNC). – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit has delivered a powerful boost to the country’s global image, tourism appetite and national pride, with Brand South Africa and government saying the event has already shifted perceptions and strengthened confidence in the nation as a world-class destination.

Brand South Africa CEO, Neville Matjie, said the global response over the past two weeks showed a country not only ready to host major international events, but one that is increasingly attractive to visitors, investors and partners. 

According to Matjie, preliminary data show an economic activity value of R3.6 billion generated during the G20 period, alongside a notable rise in tourism. 

“We’ve seen about 1.1 million more tourists coming into the country, with the Americas performing strongly and the Middle East showing the biggest jump at 58%,” the CEO said.

Matjie said that affordability, experience and diversity were key drawcards. 

“Once visitors arrive, they realise South Africa is very affordable. They come intending to stay two or three days, and suddenly they’re adding Durban, Cape Town, and more experiences. The lived experience becomes a ‘wow’ moment and they want to return with family and friends,” he said. 

The G20 Summit also significantly strengthened South Africa’s brand reputation, especially in a period marked by global geopolitical tensions. According to Brand SA, the summit helped dismantle lingering misinformation about the country.

“The G20 Summit couldn’t have come at a better time. What the world has seen here dispelled a lot of the disinformation that had been circulated. International partners know the real South Africa, a country shaped by reconciliation, progress and unity, not the distorted narratives some try to push. Being here with hundreds of international journalists allowed them to see the truth for themselves,” the CEO said. 

Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said this reputational shift was supported by a comprehensive communication approach that deliberately positioned South Africans at the centre of the G20 story.

Mnukwa said President Cyril Ramaphosa had given a clear instruction: ensure every South African understands the G20, its benefits and the significance of hosting it on African soil, while also communicating effectively to the global audience.

“Our communication plan was executed very well. We even went beyond what we had planned. Communities engaged with us through outreach programmes and face-to-face dialogues, and by the time the summit began, South Africans were owning the G20. That was intentional,” Mnukwa told SAnews.

Feedback across digital platforms showed heightened domestic awareness and a sense of pride in the country’s historic role. 

“South Africans understood this moment — the first G20 Summit hosted on the African continent and the world understood it too,” she said. 

With global media praising South Africa’s warmth, organisation and facilities, both Brand SA and government agree the work does not end here.

“Post-G20, we cannot put a full stop. We must continue using this momentum to tell the real story of South Africa, because the world is listening and they like what they see,” Matjie said. – SAnews.gov.za

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