South Africa has confirmed it is fully prepared to host the first G20 Leaders’ Summit ever held on African soil, with Johannesburg set to welcome heads of state and global delegates from 22–23 November. The event marks the culmination of South Africa’s year-long presidency of the G20, which began in December 2024.
Tinyiko Maluleke, deputy chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC), said the country had successfully completed 130 out of 133 planned engagements, including high-level ministerial meetings, Sherpa negotiations and this week’s three-day Social Summit opened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile. The NPC serves as an independent advisory body appointed by the president.
Maluleke described the summit as a milestone for both South Africa and the continent. “This is a historic moment for our G20 Chairship. We have not simply convened meetings—we have worked to identify shared global challenges and build meaningful international partnerships,” he told the South African Government News Agency.
GLOBAL REPRESENTATION DESPITE U.S. BOYCOTT
The G20 brings together the world’s largest economies, representing 85% of global GDP, and includes countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, China, Germany and India. South Africa remains the only African nation in the bloc.
While 42 countries have confirmed participation—including all 20 G20 members except the United States, along with 16 guest nations and six regional organisations—Washington will be absent this year. President Donald Trump has chosen to boycott the summit, citing concerns about South Africa’s human rights record.
Diplomatic officials say the boycott is unlikely to disrupt proceedings, as most partner countries, including major African regional blocs and Caribbean and East Asian groupings, have reaffirmed their attendance.
SECURITY TIGHTENED AHEAD OF SUMMIT
Security has been central to planning, with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure coordinating what authorities describe as “incident-free preparations” at all preceding meetings throughout the year.
A strict hard lockdown will be enforced around the NASREC Expo Centre and FNB Stadium from 21 to 24 November. Only accredited delegates, staff and vehicles will be permitted entry, and extensive road closures will affect major routes in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
Officials advise residents and commuters to plan for delays as security perimeters tighten in the run-up to the summit.
SOUTH AFRICA TO HAND OVER PRESIDENCY SOON
South Africa’s G20 Presidency formally concludes on 30 November, after which the United States is scheduled to assume leadership in 2026, following a rotation process among member states.
Despite political tensions and the U.S. absence, South African authorities say the summit remains a defining opportunity for the continent to shape global economic and development priorities at a time of significant geopolitical change.
Source:Africa Publicity
