Johannesburg: With South Africa in the final stretch towards hosting the first-ever Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit on African soil, the country should be proud of the road it has traversed since assuming the chairmanship of the group in December 2024.
According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, emphasized in an interview with SAnews the historic significance of South Africa’s hosting of the G20. The NPC, an independent advisory body and think tank appointed by the President, is the custodian of South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP): Vision 2030.
Maluleke highlighted the country’s efforts in building meaningful international partnerships and tackling global challenges. The G20, which includes major economies such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, represents 85% of global GDP and serves as a premier forum for international economic cooperation.
As the last nation of the Global South to hold the Presidency in this cycle, South Africa has hosted 130 of the 133 meetings of the Presidency. In the final week leading up to the Summit on November 22 and 23, 2025, the country is completing the Sherpa Meeting, and the three-day Social Summit has been opened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Public advisories on road closures around the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, where the Leaders’ Summit will be held, have been issued.
Ensuring safety is a top priority. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has expressed confidence in the security preparations for the Summit, having successfully managed security for 20 G20 ministerial working group meetings and Sherpa meetings across the country without incidents.
NATJOINTS confirmed a soft lockdown around the venue, with a hard lockdown to be implemented from November 21 to 24 in the vicinity of the FNB stadium, housing the accreditation centre along with the Nasrec Expo Conference Centre. Only individuals with valid accreditation will be allowed near the area, and vehicles will undergo thorough inspections.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Road Traffic Management Corporation, Gauteng Traffic Police, and South African Police Service, have announced road closures affecting Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni.
Cabinet has expressed full confidence in South Africa’s ability to host a successful Summit, noting that all preparatory meetings since assuming the Presidency have been incident-free.
Professor Maluleke also reflected on his experience at a G20 meeting in Sun City focused on women’s empowerment, emphasizing the positive representation and the significance of South Africa’s role on the global stage amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza.
Despite the absence of the US government, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the Summit will proceed as planned, with participation from 42 countries, including 20 G20 member states (excluding the US), 16 guest countries, and six countries representing Regional Economic Communities.
Maluleke expressed hopes for a renewed sense of multilateralism and collaboration on pressing global issues such as climate justice and environmental sustainability. His comments coincide with the ongoing 30th United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) in Bel©m, Brazil, where leaders are addressing climate challenges.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency will conclude on November 30, 2025, with the US set to assume the Presidency in 2026. The journey towards hosting the Summit has been significant, and South Africa can take pride in its achievements.