Jozi to the world: Even bridges get global makeover ahead of G20 Leaders' Summit
Bridges across Johannesburg have been transformed with portraits of world leaders ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Image: @DadaMorero/ X
Johannesburg’s bridges and landmarks have never looked so global. As the city braces for the arrival of presidents, prime ministers and power brokers from across the world, the concrete pillars along the M1 and other major routes have been transformed into a corridor of world leaders’ faces — an unexpected artistic welcome to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The towering portraits, featuring the likes of South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, India’s Narendra Modi, France’s Emmanuel Macron and several others, now line the bridges leading into the city centre. Each banner carries the G20 insignia and a national flag — bright splashes of green, blue and red cutting through the grey cityscape.
The display comes just days after Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola confirmed that 42 countries and international organisations will descend on Johannesburg for the weekend summit — a historic first for the African continent.
A portrait of President Cyril Ramaphosa is also in place to welcome visitors ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Image: @DadaMorero/ X
Speaking at Nasrec earlier this week, Lamola said South Africa is ready to welcome the world, with the majority of G20 member states represented at the head-of-state level.
“It’s a proud moment for the country and for Africa,” Lamola told journalists. “Out of 20 heads of state, only four will not attend personally. That shows how seriously the world takes this summit and South Africa’s presidency.”
Now, that sense of occasion is visible on the city’s skyline. From Nasrec to the Nelson Mandela Bridge, Joburg is dressed for diplomacy. The faces of world leaders beam down on motorists, adding a dash of international flair to the morning rush hour.
Some motorists have taken to social media to share their amusement — some joking that they’re “being watched by presidents” on the M1, while others say the banners make the city “feel like the world’s capital, at least for a weekend.”
The banners are part of the city’s broader beautification and security drive, with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi saying that safety, mobility and service-delivery plans have been intensified for the duration of the summit.
The current beautification of Johannesburg is not just a makeover — it’s a strong message from South Africa. With 42 countries gathering under one skyline, Johannesburg is showing that Africa can host the world’s most powerful nations with confidence, colour and a touch of humour.
Bridges across Johannesburg have been transformed with portraits of world leaders ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Image: @DadaMorero/ X
For a city more often associated with violent crime, power cuts and potholes, this new burst of global glamour has turned even traffic jams into a photo opportunity.
As one commuter quipped on X: “You can’t complain about gridlock when the G20 is smiling back at you.”
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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