South Africa Enters Final Countdown to Historic G20 Summit — Security Tightens, Global Tensions Rise, and Hopes for a New World Order Grow

South Africa has entered the final stretch before hosting the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil, a moment many say reflects the country’s resilience, diplomatic maturity and growing influence on the global stage.

Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, says the nation should be proud of how it has carried the G20 Presidency since December 2024.

“We should be proud of the manner in which we have welcomed the world and showcased our country,” he told SAnews.
Maluleke praised South Africa for pursuing genuine global partnerships and not “partnerships for the sake of partnership,” noting that the Presidency has been driven by shared challenges, cooperation and future-oriented leadership.

A Presidency That Brought the World to Africa

South Africa has hosted 130 of the 133 official G20 Presidency meetings, drawing delegates from global powers such as the U.S., U.K., Germany and France. Representing 85% of the world’s GDP, the G20 remains the top platform for international economic cooperation.

As the final week unfolds, Johannesburg prepares for the 4th Sherpa Meeting, the Social Summit, and finally the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 22–23 November 2025.

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the summit will continue as planned despite the United States boycotting the event, a move he described as unfortunate but not disruptive.

Unprecedented Security Measures Activated

South Africa’s security agencies have gone into full operational mode.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured the public that safety preparations are solid and that all ministerial meetings held during the year were “incident-free.”

A soft lockdown around the Nasrec Expo Centre — the summit venue — has already begun.
A full hard lockdown will run from 21–24 November, with only accredited individuals allowed near the area. All vehicles entering the zone will undergo strict inspections.

Road closures will impact key parts of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, according to a joint statement by the RTMC, SAPS, Gauteng Traffic Police and other agencies.

Cabinet also expressed full confidence in the country’s readiness, calling the preparations “seamless and secure.”

A Summit Held Under Global Tension

Professor Maluleke noted that the G20 gathers at a time of immense geopolitical strain — from the war in Ukraine and the Gaza conflict to rising trade tensions and diplomatic fractures.

“The G20 is the silver lining in the dark clouds,” he said, praising the forum for pushing cooperation in a divided world.

He also highlighted that South Africa is not just hosting the summit for itself, but for Africa as a whole, giving the continent a meaningful voice in global decision-making.

Who Is Coming?

Despite Washington’s absence, participation remains strong:

• 20 G20 members (excluding the U.S.)

• 16 guest nations

• 6 regional blocs from Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia
  42 countries in total will take part at various levels.

Ramaphosa stressed that while the U.S. boycott is disappointing, America remains an important trading partner for South Africa.

A Wish for a New Global Order

Professor Maluleke shared a powerful wish list for the summit outcomes.
He called for:

• A new era of multilateral cooperation

• Partnerships built on equality and shared responsibility

• A global stance against all forms of violence, including the “silent war against women”

• Stronger action on the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

• A united global front on climate justice, low-carbon development and environmental protection

He warned that without collective climate action, “the carpet could be pulled from under the feet of all nations.”

His comments come as COP30 unfolds in Brazil, where leaders are debating climate finance and global environmental reforms.

South Africa continues working toward unlocking the US$1.3 trillion in climate financing pledged to developing nations.

A Presidency Nears Its Close

South Africa will hand the G20 Presidency to the United States on 30 November 2025.
But for many, the legacy of this year will endure far beyond the handover.

As the Deputy Chairperson noted, South Africans can “pat themselves on the back” for carrying the weight of the world with dignity, unity and the spirit of Ubuntu.