Ahead of the opening of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, South Africa has declared itself fully prepared to host the landmark gathering, the first ever held on African soil.
Deputy chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Tinyiko Maluleke said security protocols have been fully implemented, venues secured, and global leaders have started arriving for the event scheduled for 22–23 November.
The NPC is an independent advisory body and think tank appointed by the President of the country.
Maluleke said; “South Africa has so far convened 130 of the 133 scheduled meetings, including ministerial sessions, Sherpa negotiations and a three-day Social Summit opened this week by Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“I think that it’s a very historic hosting [of] our Chairmanship of the G20,” he said.
Maluleke said; “More importantly, [we should be proud] of the manner in which we have attempted not merely to build partnerships for partnership’s sake, but we have reached out to the rest of the world in search of common challenges and themes for our future.”
The summit marks the culmination of South Africa’s year-long G20 Presidency, which began in December 2024.
The G20, comprising major economies such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China and India, represents 85 percent of global GDP and serves as the premier forum for international economic cooperation.
However, the US will not be represented at this year’s summit after President Donald Trump decided to boycott the meeting in protest at South Africa’s alleged human rights record.
Despite the boycott, 42 countries are confirmed to participate, including 20 G20 members, 16 guest nations and six regional blocs from Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia.
Security has been a top priority, with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure overseeing incident-free preparations across all prior meetings.
A hard lockdown will be enforced from 21 to 24 November around the NASREC Expo Centre and FNB Stadium, with access restricted to accredited personnel and vehicles subject to inspection.
Road closures will affect Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency concludes on 30 November, with the US set to assume leadership in 2026.
APA/Oyenike Oyeniyi