Gauteng Provincial Government declares readiness for G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA 

Gauteng Provincial Government declares readiness for G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 

The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) today formally declares its readiness to host the prestigious G20 Leaders’ Summit to be held at Nasrec Expo Centre between 22 and 23 November 2025 and will be handing over all provincial preparations to the national government on the 15th of this month. 

This milestone follows months of intensive, coordinated work between the provincial government, the national government, and all local municipalities, a collaboration that has not only ensured summit readiness but has also created a powerful new template for accelerated, integrated service delivery that will benefit all Gauteng residents long after the summit concludes. 

We have resolved that, following the summit, the weekly intergovernmental planning meetings previously used for summit preparations will be repurposed as service delivery meetings to drive and accelerate municipal service delivery across the province. The thorough preparation for the G20 Leaders' Summit went well beyond just the event, but it also helped boost and speed up the G-13 main provincial priorities mentioned in the February State of the Province address. 

The work in preparation for the Summit has been anchored and properly aligned to the provincial government's core domestic agenda to improve the economy of our province and most importantly make it safe. Gauteng, as the economic hub of Southern Africa and a proven stage for global events from the 2002 Earth Summit to the 2018 BRICS Summit, is honoured to welcome the world once again for the G20 Summit this November 2025. 

This landmark moment will place our province in the global spotlight, accelerate our growth trajectory, and see Johannesburg, join the prestigious list of G20 host cities such as Riyadh, Hangzhou, St. Petersburg, Seoul, Pittsburgh, London, and now Washington, D.C as we handover to them.  

Background Twelve months ago, in a landmark decision, Johannesburg was designated as the host city for the 2025 G20 Leaders' Summit, the first such event on African soil. The city edged out competitors like Cape Town and eThekwini, and the choice was driven by the city's robust infrastructure, including international airports, extensive hotel capacity, and proximity to key venues. 

The announcement aligned with South Africa's assumption of the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted Africa's development priorities during his 2024 State of the Nation Address, positioning the summit as a platform for addressing inclusive economic growth, debt sustainability, climate finance, food security, and artificial intelligence governance as matters that need to be advanced in hosting this summit. 

The Gauteng provincial government swiftly embraced the hosting role, viewing it as an economic catalyst expected to generate millions in visitor spending, job creation, and long-term tourism benefits. However, early challenges emerged, prompting President Ramaphosa's working visit to Johannesburg on 6 March 2025. The visit that formed part of the District Development Model for integrated planning saw President Ramaphosa meeting with Gauteng government officials, municipalities, cabinet ministers, and deputies. He voiced deep concerns over the province's deteriorating infrastructure, citing persistent issues like water shortages, potholes, burst pipes, non-functional traffic lights, power cuts, uncollected waste, and sewer spills, which he deemed unacceptable ahead of the global event. 

President Ramaphosa announced the establishment of a Presidential Johannesburg Working Group to collaboratively address these challenges. In response, the Gauteng provincial government mobilised partnerships with national authorities, municipalities, and the private sector to accelerate improvements. The main goals were to fix roads, make them safer, improve hospitality, and make sure that G20 infrastructure standards were met. This report we are giving today highlights the significant progress that has been made, demonstrating our ability to adopt collaborative and agile governance and focus on solution-oriented and results-driven partnerships. 

 Proof of collaborative governance 

Our preparedness is a direct result of an unprecedented collaborative effort. A dedicated team, including the MECs, Mayors, MMCS and CEOs of our agencies, representatives of the taxi industry and labour, have met weekly to set targets and conducted weekly progress tracking and on-site inspections. This multi-level government approach has been the cornerstone of our success, ensuring that every municipality is aligned and actively contributing to our shared goal. 

The spirit of cooperation between the province and our municipalities has been exceptional, and this partnership has moved beyond planning into decisive action, delivering tangible improvements across the province. We intend to keep this mode of collaboration and adopt it as a blueprint we will use indefinitely to build a better province for everyone. Infrastructure and Environment Significant infrastructure upgrades, designed to be permanent, are now nearly complete. Our comprehensive programme has focused on delivering a seamless and positive experience for all delegates and residents alike. 

Key achievements include: 

Water Security Johannesburg Water has given us assurance regarding the security of the city's water supply throughout the G20 Summit. This confidence is grounded in Rand Water's confirmation of an uninterrupted bulk supply for the entire period, bolstered by our comprehensive operational plan. 

We have proactively deployed dedicated maintenance teams along all key corridors, activated robust contingencies including battery backups and 24/7 site security, and have water tankers on standby to ensure rapid response to any localised issues. While we are mindful of potential community-related risks, our command centre is fully operational with clear escalation protocols so that we can attend to problems immediately. 

Energy Plan A comprehensive and resilient energy plan is firmly in place to secure an uninterrupted power supply for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit. All primary electrification for key venues and corridors is complete, with final minor works scheduled for timely conclusion. This robust plan includes multiple layers of security: high-mast solar lighting has been activated to enhance safety, and emergency generators are strategically deployed at all critical sites, including the OR Tambo, ICC and key hotels. 

This integrated effort, a collaboration between COGTA and DID, not only ensures energy stability but also incorporates beautification and safety measures. Supported by Eskom, we will continue to monitor the energy supply in our province. Furthermore, the lessons in energy resilience from this event are being captured to strengthen the Provincial Energy Plan, aligning with the 7th Administration's broader Energy Transition and Security Agenda, ensuring a legacy of reliable power management beyond the Summit. Public Spaces Grass cutting, litter picking, and the cleaning of Central Business Districts (CBDs) are well-advanced. Illegal dumps have been cleared, and public spaces have been greened. 

New street furniture and bins have been installed in key areas, including the Cradle of Humankind. Streetlight rehabilitation is almost complete, enhancing safety and aesthetics. Furthermore, recycling stations will be operational at all G20 venues, underscoring our commitment to sustainable development. Disaster Management The Gauteng Disaster Management Centre has been fully activated and is standing ready to ensure a secure and seamless G20 Leaders’ Summit. 

A comprehensive multi-agency command centre has been established, integrating all emergency services, law enforcement, and essential service providers to facilitate real-time coordination and rapid response. With personnel strategically deployed and state-of-the-art technology for monitoring and communication, the Centre is prepared to manage any potential scenario, from medical emergencies and security incidents to logistical disruptions, ensuring the safety of all delegates and the uninterrupted progress of this critical global gathering. 

Safety and Security: 

A multi-layered assurance Gauteng is well-equipped to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants. The South African Police Service (SAPS), in full coordination with all other law enforcement agencies, has robust plans in place. Our multi-level law enforcement strategy will see delegates escorted by a unified force comprising SAPS, National Traffic Police, Gauteng Provincial Traffic, and all metropolitan police departments. 

A coordinated and comprehensive strategy has ensured that the province's four main ports of entry, O.R. Tambo International Airport, Fireblade Airport, Lanseria International Airport, and the Waterkloof Air Force Base, are all operating at an elevated state of readiness. This includes streamlined and enhanced security protocols and exceptional logistical support to facilitate the seamless and secure arrival and departure of all international guests. 

The ongoing rollout of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the province forms a critical part of our strategy to utilize technology in fighting crime, a legacy project that will continue to protect residents for years to come. Boosting Tourism The summit is expected to place our province in the global spotlight and support our broader goal of expanding and promoting the business tourism sector in Gauteng. 

The G20 Leaders’ Summit will bring a large influx of visitors, including heads of state, delegates, and media, creating a surge in demand for hotels, transportation, and local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors. Delegates can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the energy and innovation that Gauteng is known for. With thousands of star-graded accommodation options to fit every budget, including many prestigious international hotel brands, Gauteng ensures comfort and quality for all visitors. As part of Visit GAUTENG – Zwakala, we have curated special tourism promotion itineraries that have been loaded on the G20 official site. 

An inclusive Summit with a lasting legacy We have maintained that the G20 must be meaningful and accessible to ordinary citizens. We have actively engaged with civil society, business, youth, and people with disabilities through extensive outreach programmes. This includes G20 awareness campaigns in townships and ensuring diverse South African voices contribute to the global dialogue. For public visibility, the Gauteng Provincial Government has rolled out branding and advertising across the city. 

The summit is expected to yield significant benefits for Gauteng, including increased investment, job creation, and a major boost to our tourism and hospitality sectors. It also provides a global platform to share our growth strategy, Growing Gauteng Together 2030 (GGT2030), as we position our province as a destination of choice for investors. The service delivery improvements implemented, from repaired roads and functional streetlights to enhanced public spaces and advanced security technology, are not for the summit alone. 

They are permanent enhancements designed for the enduring benefit of all who live in, work in, and visit our beautiful province. As we prepare to hand over to the national government, we do so with immense pride and confidence. 

Gauteng is ready. We have worked as one, we have delivered on our commitments, and we are prepared to offer the world a warm welcome and an exceptionally unique experience. 

Gauteng is ready…..Zwakala! 

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