SOUTH Africa enters the final stretch of preparations for the historic 2025 G20 Leaders' Summit.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says the country is more than ready to welcome the world.
Speaking on Monday, 17 November, Lamola described the Nasrec Expo Centre, south of Joburg, as a perfect venue for the global gathering.
He called it "a living testament to South Africa's journey of transformation and resilience".
"Nasrec is more than just a venue. It's a space steeped in history, culture and progress," he said.
Lamola reminded Mzansi that even during apartheid, the venue served as a rare bridge between segregated communities, saying people should let it be a symbol of what unity can achieve.
"Where division once stood, unity can rise."
He told South Africans the G20 Summit comes at a time when South Africa's economy is beginning to turn the corner.
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Lamola declared that load shedding is behind Mzansi. He credited what he called "the capable and visionary leadership of Minister of Electricity Kgosientso Ramokgopa, the strategic oversight of the Eskom Board chairman and the operational excellence of Eskom CEO Dan Marokane".
He pointed to progress made, saying the official unemployment rate fell to 31,9%, South Africa is out from the FATF grey list, and S&P Global's upgrade, cited stronger growth prospects, improved fiscal consolidation, and reduced contingent liabilities.
Lamola emphasised that the Presidency of the G20 was a call to action to bridge global divides.
"The world needs more solidarity, equality and sustainability," he said.
The minister said the country was leading with clear priorities, which include strengthening disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilising finance for a just energy transition and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Lamola confirmed that preparations for the Summit are on track, with 42 countries set to attend at various levels.
Heads of state will gather from 22 to 23 November, with discussions expected to centre around inclusive growth, resilience and a fair future.
The minister also thanked Joburg residents for their patience ahead of the big event.
"We have seen how hosting a major event, can be a catalyst for higher levels of service delivery," said Lamola.
Responding to criticism that improvements may not last after the summit, Lamola said the country was confident in its role as host, telling the world that it's their firm belief that the outcomes of the South African Summit will be ambitious and leave a lasting legacy for the cause of the African continent and the Global South.
