Category: South Africa Government

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

Source: Government of South Africa

By Sandile Nene

With the eyes of the world firmly focussed on South Africa, attention now turns to the historic first ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil. On 22 and 23 November 2025, Nasrec in Johannesburg will welcome a number of world leaders and other dignitaries for this landmark gathering.

An event of this magnitude, with global implications will of course draw added scrutiny and some of this has focussed on our readiness to host the Summit. Those with a narrow lens have concentrated solely on the Summit, without realising that South Africa has already hosted 130 preparatory meetings, including ministerial gatherings and central bank governors’ meetings without incident.  Some of these meetings include the Y20 Summit which was hosted in Ekurhuleni from 18 to 22 August 2025. Ekurhuleni is also hosting the G20 Social Summit, from 18 to 20 November 2025.

As government we are confident that this event will proceed smoothly, as have all the others thus far. Every successful event has assisted in sharpening our security and logistics arrangements in preparation for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. These preparations are wide ranging and include a comprehensive safety plan, along with securing energy supply, the cleaning and preparation of public spaces, and the activation of a disaster management centre.

Speaking on preparations ahead of the Summit, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said that a 
comprehensive and resilient energy plan is now in place to secure uninterrupted power supply for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit but also for the overall energy supply to residents and businesses in our province.

He added that: “The energy plan also includes multiple layers of security, high mast solar lighting, the protection of cables and the installation of emergency generators.”

The Summit’s safety and security is being comprehensively managed and coordinated through inter-agency cooperation. All relevant national and provincial government departments and agencies are involved in planning safety, security and emergency services.

As government, we are confident that all safety and security arrangements for the Summit are in place. We have implemented a number of preventative measures, including heightened security at points of entry, hotels and venues. Furthermore, robust contingency plans are in place to prevent and limit incidents should they occur.

As a nation we have a proud safety track record in hosting mega global events. Both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 Orange African Cup of Nations were hosted without major incidents.

Lessons learned from hosting previous events have been integrated into our safety and security plan. Plans are in place for any eventuality, including potential crowd incidents, such as marches, protests and pickets. We are confident that our security agencies have done comprehensive risk and threat assessments, and we are ready to host the G20 leaders and all participating delegations.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi reinforced the province’s preparedness: “Gauteng is well equipped to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants and our residents. The South African Police Service [SAPS], in full coordination with all other law enforcement agencies, has robust plans in place that we have all adopted and accepted.”

He added: “Our multi-level law enforcement strategy will see delegates escorted by a unified force comprising of SAPS, National Traffic Police, Gauteng Provincial Traffic and all metropolitan police departments will be deployed to escort and support our visitors.”

All that now remains is for leaders of the G20 to arrive and to experience the magic that we call home.  Our country offers visitors a unique experience and this will play a massive part in driving home our call for “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, which is the theme of the G20 in South Africa.  

We believe that Solidarity means countries working to help each other, especially in tough times like economic crises, natural disasters, or pandemics. It’s about teamwork: if one country struggles, the others step in to support, because the world is connected.

Equity is about making sure opportunities, benefits, and resources are shared fairly—not just between rich and poor countries, but also between men and women, and between different communities.

Sustainability means using resources—like water, energy, and land—in a smart way so we don’t harm the planet or run out of what future generations need.

South Africa’s track record, combined with the comprehensive security, energy, and logistical preparations leaves no doubt about our readiness to host this historic summit. As the world turns its gaze to Nasrec, we stand confident in our readiness to deliver a landmark event. 

*Sandile Nene – Acting Deputy Director-General for Content Processing and Dissemination in the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Source: Government of South Africa

In the weekly Presidential newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the green shoots in the economy as an indication that South Africa is a “country and an economy on the rise”.

The President cited the recent downturn in unemployment and strengthening in government finances as an indication that the country is moving towards a place of strength.

“Unemployment is down. Data from Statistics South Africa show that the official unemployment rate fell to 31.9% between July and September this year, down from 33.2% recorded in the previous quarter. Nearly 250 000 more people were in employment in the third quarter. Of these, around 130 000 were added in the construction sector.

“The Medium Term Budget Policy Statement delivered last week points to a sustained turnaround in government finances. We are on track to achieve a third consecutive primary budget surplus. This means that, excluding interest payments on our debt, we are collecting more in revenue than we are spending. This is a sign of prudent financial management, giving us space to steadily reduce our debt to sustainable levels,” he said.

Furthermore, the country’s sovereign credit rating was upgraded by S&P to ‘BB’ from ‘BB-’ and the local currency long-term sovereign credit rating to ‘BB+’ from ‘BB’.

“This is the first such upgrade from the agency in nearly two decades. An improved rating generally leads to lower borrowing costs, which allows for more funds to be invested in the economy and in meeting social needs.

“Among the factors S&P cited for the positive outlook were Eskom’s improved performance, strong tax collection and the broad structural reform momentum having picked up pace,” the President explained.

Operation Vulindlela

President Ramaphosa noted that Operation Vulindlela – government’s driving force behind reforms – was initially launched as a mechanism for the implementation of “transformative reforms and [to] boost economic growth”.

Initially, focus was on the network sectors, as well as immigration reform.

“We are seeing steady progress in the logistics sector, notably with respect to improved performance at our ports. Measures to allow private sector companies to operate on the national freight rail network are also at an advanced stage. 

“The most noteworthy improvements have been witnessed in the energy sector, with Eskom now on the road to recovery, massive investment in renewable energy generation, and vastly improved electricity supply. 

“In support of South Africa’s ratings upgrade, S&P cited the recently launched Phase II of Operation Vulindlela, which is focusing on changes in local government, digital transformation, visa regimes, spatial inequality and others,” he said.

The President noted that modelling from the University of Stellenbosch’s Bureau of Economic Research estimates that the potential impact of Operation Vulindlela’s full implementation could “lift South Africa’s long-term growth rate by as much as 3.5%”.

“In citing this modelling, the analyst JP Landman writes that ‘the reforms are a journey, but they have started working. Step by step, South Africa is opening its economy, modernising infrastructure and rebuilding credibility’.

“Despite considerable headwinds that have [included] a global pandemic, a debilitating energy crisis and more recently, a difficult global trade environment, we have stayed the course on economic recovery and are now seeing this pay off,” he said.

President Ramaphosa reflected on the country’s emergence from a “ruinous period of economic stagnation” and State capture.

He added that despite this, “we have been able to achieve sustained progress in a relatively short period of time”.

“This is in no small part owing to the strength of the partnerships forged between government, business, labour and civil society. 

“These far-reaching economic changes have a direct and material impact on the lives of every South African, on their ability to lead dignified lives, to access public services, to secure employment, and to provide for their families. 

“We are determined to sustain the momentum of this economic recovery, so that we can drive inclusive growth, create jobs and improve the lives of our citizens,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

Citizens have been urged to remain cautious as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 9 weather warning.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GoGTA) on Monday said while emergency services remain on high alert, the public must follow these safety measures:

– Stay informed by monitoring local news and updates from the SAWS for the latest weather forecasts.

– Evacuate if necessary, following instructions from authorities, and seek higher ground if you are in flood-prone areas.

– Secure your property by clearing debris, securing loose items, and reinforcing doors and windows.

– Stay connected by keeping in touch with loved ones and neighbours, especially those who may be vulnerable.

– Exercise caution and avoid crossing low-lying bridges or flooded roads, as these actions are among the leading causes of flood-related fatalities.

CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa said following the outlined safety measures, although they seem simple, remains a powerful tool that saves lives and livelihoods, while preventing avoidable damage to property and infrastructure.

He said the department is implementing disaster response measures since the severe weather warning, which includes widespread flooding and heavy rainfall, especially in the North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces. 

Disaster Management Centres have been active in these affected areas, while other provinces remain on high alert. 

In addition, national departments, Provincial Disaster Management Centres, Municipal Disaster Management Centres, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) continue to remain vigilant.

“Emergency services are prepared for potential flash floods, mudslides, power outages, and so on.

“Lives cannot be replaced; as such, every precaution we take, every plan we implement, and every act of preparedness must be guided by the principle of safeguarding human life above all else.

“Through our joint efforts, across government, business, civil society, NGOs [non-government organisations] and communities, we can reduce the risk of disasters, strengthen our resilience, and ensure a safer South Africa for all.

“Remember to prioritise your safety and follow official instructions. Stay safe,” CoGTA said in a statement. 

The National Disaster Management Centre will continue to fulfil its responsibilities by promoting an integrated and coordinated approach to disaster management across national, provincial and local government levels, as well as among statutory bodies and other stakeholders involved in disaster response. – SAnews.gov.za