Gauteng has officially declared its readiness to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit, set to take place in 2025. Premier Panyaza Lesufi made the announcement on 5 November, noting the province has made significant strides to meet global standards for infrastructure, security, and service delivery.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit Comes to Gauteng
The G20 Leaders’ Summit is a high-level international forum bringing together the world’s 20 major economies. South Africa will host the 2025 edition, with Johannesburg confirmed as the main venue.
This marks the first time Gauteng will host the prestigious summit, which is expected to attract global leaders, media houses, and thousands of delegates.
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Gauteng Ready to Host G20 Leaders’ Summit: Premier Lesufi Confirms
Premier Lesufi announced, “The Gauteng government can now formally [announce] its readiness to host the prestigious G20 Leaders’ summit.”
Lesufi assured residents and international stakeholders that preparations are nearly complete. From road upgrades to power infrastructure and urban beautification, Gauteng is transforming rapidly.
Infrastructure Overhaul: Roads, Lights and More
The Gauteng Provincial Government has prioritised road maintenance and signage.
Lesufi stated:
“We have repaired 1 523 potholes. This project is 97% complete. Road markings and traffic lights are progressing well.”
Other upgrades include:
- 456 road markings being refreshed (40% complete)
- 64 traffic signals undergoing repair
- 21 274 streetlights targeted, with 74% of work done
Service Delivery Coordination Gains Momentum
The G20 preparations have triggered broader reforms in municipal service delivery. Weekly meetings across local and provincial government levels have resulted in tighter project monitoring and accountability.
Reports say:
“A dedicated team … have met weekly to set targets and conduct on‑site inspections.”
Lesufi confirmed these coordination structures will be permanent:
“The Tuesday meetings that we hold every week will continue beyond the G20 to expedite service delivery.”
Addressing Challenges: Water and Safety Still a Concern
Despite progress, challenges remain. Lesufi expressed concern about Johannesburg’s water reliability.
“Electricity, I give it 100%. Sewer, 80%. But the area that is not stable is water,” he said.
Crime is another major focus, especially in hotspot areas.
“We still need to do more to ensure people are not mugged or have their phones snatched,” Lesufi added.
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G20 Summit: Catalyst for Investment and Tourism
The summit is more than a political event; it’s an economic opportunity. It is expected to generate billions in tourism, transport, and hospitality.
The provincial government views the summit as a global showcase. SA News highlights:
“The G20 Leaders’ Summit will bring a large influx of visitors … placing our province in the global spotlight.”
Long-Term Benefits for Residents
The upgrades will not be removed post-event. Premier Lesufi emphasised that roads, lighting, and safety mechanisms are permanent improvements.
These efforts align with his broader vision for a “Smart Gauteng” and offer tangible improvements in daily living standards.
National Support for Gauteng’s G20 Hosting Role
President Cyril Ramaphosa and the national cabinet have expressed confidence in Gauteng’s role.
Earlier concerns about municipal readiness have been met with accelerated action plans, most notably in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
A Defining Moment for Gauteng
The G20 Leaders’ Summit represents a turning point for Gauteng. It is not just a global event but a benchmark for public service delivery, safety, and infrastructure.
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Premier Lesufi’s confident declaration reflects months of coordinated effort across all tiers of government. With most upgrades near completion and the world watching, Gauteng stands ready to host one of the most influential gatherings of global leaders.
