South Africa Showcases Leadership as Countdown Begins for Historic G20 Summit

Professor Maluleke said South Africa’s Chairmanship has gone beyond ceremonial hosting, instead pursuing meaningful collaboration with the world in addressing shared global challenges.

 

As South Africa enters the final days before hosting the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil, the nation is celebrating the extraordinary journey it has travelled since assuming the G20 Presidency in December 2024. The historic gathering, scheduled for 22–23 November 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, marks a defining moment for South Africa, Africa, and the Global South.

In an interview with SAnews, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC), said the country should take immense pride in the leadership, coordination, and diplomatic engagement demonstrated throughout its presidency.

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A Presidency Defined by Vision, Partnership, and Global Engagement

Professor Maluleke said South Africa’s Chairmanship has gone beyond ceremonial hosting, instead pursuing meaningful collaboration with the world in addressing shared global challenges.

“We should be proud of the manner in which we are welcoming the world and showcasing our country. We have reached out to the rest of the world in search of common challenges and future themes — and we have taken leadership admirably,” he said.

South Africa’s G20 tenure has included 130 of the 133 official meetings, ranging from ministerial and working-group sessions to global forums on women’s empowerment, climate change, digital inclusion, development finance and global security.

The NPC, as custodian of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, has played a critical advisory role in aligning South Africa’s priorities with global long-term development goals.

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A G20 Presidency in a Turbulent Global Landscape

The 2025 G20 deliberations have taken place amid heightened geopolitical tensions:

• The Russia–Ukraine war

• Conflict in Gaza

• Global supply chain disruptions

• Intensified global trade wars

• Fragmenting political alliances

Prof Maluleke noted that despite these global tensions:

“The G20 has been the silver lining in the dark clouds — a platform where countries can still come together for constructive dialogue.”

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Security Readiness: NATJOINTS Confirms Full Preparedness

With the Summit hours away, national security structures are operating at the highest alert level.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) announced that 20 major G20 meetings held across multiple provinces since 2024 were incident-free, demonstrating South Africa’s capability to host events of global significance.

Security Measures for the Summit

• A soft lockdown is currently in place around Nasrec

• A hard lockdown begins 21–24 November 2025

• Access restricted strictly to accredited individuals

• All vehicles thoroughly inspected before entry

• Major road closures affecting Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni

The SAPS, RTMC, GTP, and metro police departments are fully mobilised.

Cabinet has also expressed complete confidence in the country’s readiness.

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Global Participation: 42 Countries Confirm Attendance

Despite the announced absence of United States representation, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the Summit will proceed as planned.

A total of 42 countries will participate:

• 20 G20 member states (excluding the US)

• 16 guest countries

• 6 regional representatives from Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia

The President noted that the US remains an important economic partner despite its absence.

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South Africa at the Centre of Global Policy Leadership

Reflecting on his experience at a G20 event in Sun City focused on women’s empowerment, Prof Maluleke recalled:

“We were not only the hosts — we were at the centre. The whole continent was represented. It was a powerful moment.”

He said South Africa’s hosting has amplified Africa’s voice across global issues such as:

• Climate finance

• Digital transformation

• Trade reform

• Gender equality

• Health security

• Energy and food systems

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Wish List for the Leaders’ Summit: A New Era of Multilateralism

As the world awaits the Summit’s official declarations, Prof Maluleke outlined what he hopes will emerge:

1. A renewed multilateral framework

One that reflects today’s realities — not those of the post-World War II era.

2. A global response to modern “silent wars”

• The war against women

• Inequalities accelerated by AI

• Social and digital exclusion

3. Climate justice as a global priority

He emphasised:

“Environmental sustainability is the rug that could be pulled from beneath all nations if we do not join forces to reduce emissions and shift to a green, low-carbon economy.”

His comments coincide with COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where leaders are negotiating climate commitments and mobilising the US$1.3 trillion pledged last year for developing countries.

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A Nation Preparing to Make History

South Africa’s G20 Presidency ends on 30 November 2025, handing over to the United States for 2026.

Despite the long and demanding road, Prof Maluleke said South Africans can be proud:

• Proud of the diplomatic leadership

• Proud of the national unity

• Proud of the spirit of Ubuntu that has guided the preparations

• Proud of showcasing Africa’s capability to the world

“South Africa and her people can pat themselves on the back for how far they have come,” he concluded.

As the world’s leaders converge in Johannesburg, South Africa stands ready to write a new chapter — not only for the nation, but for the entire African continent.