Category: South Africa Government

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

Source: Government of South Africa

The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, commended the unwavering dedication of donor countries, the private sector, and philanthropic organisations that exemplified the virtues of multilateralism during the Eighth Global Fund Replenishment Summit.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria hosted its Replenishment Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Friday, co-organised with the governments of South Africa and the United Kingdom on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

Despite one of the most turbulent geopolitical and economic years in recent history, global partners pledged US$11.34 billion to sustain the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria, save millions more lives, and strengthen health systems worldwide.

As Motsoaledi opened the summit, he highlighted the significance of the investment case for replenishment by noting that the Global Fund partnership has saved 70 million lives since 2002 and reduced the combined death rate from HIV, TB, and malaria by 63%. 

“These are not just numbers – they represent futures reclaimed,” the Minister said.

He emphasised the importance of multi-sectoral approaches in strengthening health responses by encouraging “governments, civil society, private sector and communities” to stand united “because our fates are intertwined”.

In his reflections on the key theme of the G20 Presidency — ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’ — the Minister highlighted the importance of country-led solutions, enhanced domestic financing, and health sovereignty.

He told the delegates that South Africa funds 90% of its HIV medicines, but catalytic investments remain vital.

Motsoaledi declared that health service delivery should ensure that no one is left behind, especially adolescent girls, young women, key populations and marginalised communities.

He called on all stakeholders to reflect the determination of communities on the frontlines. 

“The success of this Replenishment Summit, on the sidelines of the G20, will be a defining legacy that our commitment to partnership and progress is unshakeable”.

Five Heads of State and Government, along with representatives from over 30 countries, gathered for the event. They were joined by multilateral partners, philanthropic organisations, businesses, civil society organisations, and community networks.

Together, they affirmed that the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria is not finished, and that there is a strong global commitment to continue advancing progress in this area.

President Cyril Ramaphosa underlined Africa’s growing leadership in global health.

“Hosting this Replenishment Summit on African soil for the first time symbolises how far we have come – and how far we can go.  

“Africa is not only leading in implementation; we are also driving innovation and taking greater responsibility for our own health systems. This partnership embodies solidarity, equity and transformation,” said President Ramaphosa. 

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised the importance of investing in the Global Fund.

“In today’s volatile world, we must prioritise spending that makes a genuine difference and supports both growth at home and globally. 

“That is why we will continue to support the Global Fund, whose work is at the cutting edge of fighting the world’s deadliest diseases. It is an investment in economic growth and stability, and a prime example of our modern approach to development,” said Starmer. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) leaders to reinvigorate South-South cooperation to drive inclusive economic growth, advance sustainable development and accelerate reforms to global governance institutions.

“South Africa wishes that, as IBSA, we revitalise our interactions and renew our determination to advance our founding goals,”President Ramaphosa said on Sunday in Johannesburg. 

President Ramaphosa hosted India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio, at a high-level IBSA meeting on the sidelines of the second day of the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit taking place in Johannesburg. 

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.

“Our cooperation is grounded in the daily realities of our people. Together, we must champion ambitious reform of the global governance institutions.

“We must reinvigorate commitments to climate action and deepen cooperation on just energy transitions. We must safeguard food and health security and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably,” President Ramaphosa said.

He urged IBSA leaders to position themselves as co-architects of a more representative and responsive multilateral system.

“The structural fault in the global economy – the growing gap between the rich and the poor and deepening poverty and underdevelopment – can only effectively be addressed through a new paradigm of inclusive economic growth.

“Through initiatives like the IBSA Fund, we continue to demonstrate the practical value of our association, particularly in the assistance provided for those most in need.

“I am, therefore, delighted that we will be signing a collaboration agreement on foundational learning as a follow up of the agreement that has been signed by the three IBSA Education Ministers,” the President 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’.

“The world in which we live is changing rapidly and dramatically. It is clear that the countries of IBSA are ready to be part of global change and to work for a better future.

“India, Brazil and South Africa are not merely participating in global economic governance, but are working to shape the global agenda,” the President said.

He said IBSA stands out as a testament to the durability of principled and constructive cooperation.

“Our grouping affirms that diversity is not a fault line but a source of strength. It reminds us that collaboration among equals is indispensable to global peace, prosperity and stability,” the President said.

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

The G20 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

With a high volume of VIP movements expected as G20 Leaders’ Summit delegates depart, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has warned motorists to expect full intermittent closures on highways and major arterial routes to allow official convoys to pass.

As today marks the final day of the summit, JMPD said the rolling closures are active and may cause sudden, standstill traffic lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.

The most critical times for the disruptions are between 07:00 and 10:00, and again from 15:00 to 20:00.

The following road closures will be in effect on Sunday:

•    Nasrec Precinct (Summit Venue): Nasrec Road: Closed between Rand Show Road and Shaft 17 Road.
•    Rand Show Road: Northern portion closed between the N1 and Nasrec Road.
•    Golden Highway: Closed between Rand Show Road and Soweto Highway.
•    Booysens Reserve Road: Closed near Crownwood Road.

“In Sandton and Rosebank, disruptions are expected on Grayston Drive, Rivonia Road, Maude Street, Oxford Road, and Jan Smuts Avenue, as dignitaries move between their accommodations,” the department said in a statement on Sunday.

Suggested alternatives include:

•    Roodepoort: Use Beyers Naudé Drive, Christiaan De Wet, or Ontdekkers Roads.
•    Sandton/North: Use smaller side streets parallel to Rivonia/Oxford (though these will still be busy).
•    South: Use Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, or Soweto Highway, (where open) to bypass the Nasrec lockdown.

Severe thunderstorm warnings

The department also noted that weather services have issued warnings for severe thunderstorms across Gauteng.

“The combination of slippery roads, poor visibility, and heavy G20 congestion significantly increases the risk of accidents. We urge drivers to maintain a safe following distance and always keep their headlights on.

“As of this morning, no new massive highway blockages have been reported, but the network is extremely fragile. Any minor accident will cause gridlock due to the existing G20 pressure.”

Motorists are advised to avoid highways including the N1, M1, N12, R21, and R24 where possible. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Source: Government of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called the G20 Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration a significant confirmation of the value of multilateralism and the necessity of dialogue.

G20 leaders yesterday adopted a declaration on the climate crisis and other global challenges at the very start of their summit, breaking with long-standing tradition. 

Despite weeks of tough negotiations and the absence of the United States, South Africa succeeded in securing a consensus firmly on its own terms.

“Today, we have adopted the leaders’ declaration of the G20 South Africa Summit, in which we outline the far-reaching actions on which we have agreed to build a better, more equal and sustainable world,” the President said at the G20 leaders’ reception last night.

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.

The President expressed appreciation to all participating countries for their contributions to the final agreement.

“As South Africa, we have sought to place Africa’s development firmly on the agenda of the G20. We have done so not only because this is the first time the G20 is being held in Africa, but because Africa’s success is so important to progress and prosperity across the globe. 

“While our challenges are many, our capacity to confront them is great. As we share this meal, let us remember why the G20 exists – to bring nations together, to bridge divides, and to forge solutions that none of us could achieve alone.” 

He contemplated the journey taken and leaders collaborating to reaffirm the G20’s role as a platform for constructive dialogue and meaningful international cooperation.

“In South Africa, we speak of the spirit of Ubuntu. It teaches us that progress is not a solitary pursuit but a shared endeavour. That our strength lies in our shared humanity. This spirit has guided our Presidency.” 

President Ramaphosa emphasised that this spirit is strengthened by their support, collaboration, and shared commitment to creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

“For this, I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you and your countries. Throughout the year, we have worked to advance areas central to global well-being…

“We have discussed how we can make the world a place where the aspirations of all people to a decent life, lived in peace and with dignity, may be realised.”

The commander-in-chief of the country also expressed gratitude to all the sponsors who have partnered willingly with the South African government to ensure the successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

“As the leaders of the G20 and guest countries, let us continue to walk this path together, guided by empathy, strengthened by cooperation and united by the responsibility we have towards this generation and the many to follow.

“As South Africa hands over the Presidency of the G20, we do so with confidence that the partnerships forged this year will continue to guide the work ahead.” 

He took the time to once again thank the attendees for their friendship, dedication and continued support. – SAnews.gov.za