Ramaphosa tells high-level summit SA is ready for G20

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is ready to host a “very successful” G20 Summit, which will take place in Johannesburg, Gauteng, from November 22 to 23.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa delivering remarks at the 2025 Global Gateway Forum held at the Square Brussels Meeting Centre in Belgium yesterday.

(I JAIRUS MMUTLE GCIS)

Despite the government's optimism over the upcoming G20 Summit, there has been criticism over Gauteng’s persistent service delivery failures.

Opposition parties and civic groups argue that potholes, water shortages, power cuts, uncollected waste, sewer spills, and poor infrastructure could mar the event. Critics claim the province is not adequately prepared to host world leaders.

Speaking yesterday at the European Union's Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, a high-level summit aimed at promoting global connectivity amid mounting geopolitical and economic challenges, Ramaphosa emphasised the need for investments in Africa to be truly transformative.

“These investments should not replace one dependency with another,” he said.

“They must enable African countries in the global south to pursue development paths suited to their circumstances and the needs of their people.”

Ramaphosa said the summit’s theme, “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” was carefully chosen to reflect current global challenges.