South Africa's G20 coup de grâce

This was Johannesburg's moment on the world stage.

- Marlan Padayachee

New world hero: The successful conclusion of the G20 in Johannesburg has catapulted President Cyril Ramaphosa to global leadership status.

Not since Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's history-making inauguration in 1994 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup has democratic South Africa charmed the world as it did during the G20 Leaders' Summit and B20 meetings.

South Africa's presidency of the G20 was both symbolic and strategic — a celebration of 30 years of democracy and an assertion that Africa belongs at the centre of global economic governance.

Johannesburg, founded in 1886 on the gold and diamond riches of the Witwatersrand, was elevated to full international status as it hosted leaders of the world's strongest economies. Hosting the G20 was more than prestige — it was a message that Africa, and Johannesburg in particular, must shape global priorities instead of sitting on the margins.

The biggest stage was set to curate, amidst debates, dissensions and discussions around the themes of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.

Across the City of Gold — eGoli — foreign diplomats, delegations, and security convoys moved through Africa's largest city enroute to the Nasrec Expo Centre, overlooking the iconic 2010 World Cup stadium. By the end of the summit, the Johannesburg Declaration emerged as a living document and a victory for multilateralism, signalling a clearer flight path for global cooperation and a stronger voice for Africa within the G20.

It was a defining moment when President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa brought down the gavel to close the summit - the culmination of a year long effort and an unprecedented milestone for a continent often portrayed through the lenses of conflict, corruption, poverty, and underdevelopment. With that symbolic strike, Africa took its place at the top table of global governance.