WATCH | Ramaphosa delivers welcome address at G20 Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron on the red carpet at the Nasrec Expo Centre, as South Africa hosts the G20 Leaders’ Summit for the first time.
Image: Screengrab
With firm handshakes and warm smiles, President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday morning welcomed several heads of state, government leaders and international dignitaries as South Africa hosts the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit — the first to be held on African soil.
The two-day gathering, taking place at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” has drawn leaders from the world’s major economies, regional blocs and international organisations, including the United Nations and the African Union.
Ramaphosa, accompanied by senior Cabinet ministers, personally greeted the arriving leaders as they stepped onto the red carpet, posing for official photographs and exchanging a few words before the formal opening session.
The summit marks a major diplomatic milestone for South Africa and the continent. For the first time, Africa is not only hosting but also shaping the agenda of the world’s most powerful economic forum.
Among the high-profile arrivals welcomed by Ramaphosa on the red carpet were United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres; Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni; Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima; President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen; and President of France Emmanuel Macron.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also walked the red carpet on Saturday morning, receiving a warm welcome from Ramaphosa. Erdoğan is expected to participate in key sessions on sustainable development and global trade, and to hold bilateral talks with several African and Middle Eastern leaders during the summit.
Security and symbolism
Security around the Nasrec precinct and Sandton’s diplomatic corridors was tight, with a multi-layered operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), metro police and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Earlier, IOL reported that SAPS has assured that the deployment of thousands of officers for the summit would not affect community policing, with all provinces maintaining full operations. Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJoints) said “no community will be left exposed” during the high-security event.
The summit, which includes sessions on climate finance, energy transition, and inclusive economic growth, is expected to conclude with the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth.
For many watching, the smiles and handshakes captured a simple but significant message: Africa is not just participating in global decision-making — it is helping lead it.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News