Today, we mark the beginning of our annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which takes place between today, 25 November and 10 December 2025.

This year, the campaign is themed: "Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)". 

The theme is anchored on our commitment to developing positive masculinity and its significance to our efforts to prevent, fight, and eliminate the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. We are clear that our fight against GBVF cannot afford to leave men and boys behind.

This year, we are three years short of three decades—the 27^th Anniversary—since the adoption of a campaign that has, over the years, raised much-needed awareness of the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women and children, and the very social fabric of our society. Over the years, the 16 Days of Activism have also enabled us to shine the spotlight on the societal and systemic causes of violence against women and girls in a manner that enables us to mobilise.

Addressing the recently held G20 Social summit President Ramaphosa  said, "No society can thrive for as long as gender-based violence and femicide continues and the agency of women is denied. 

The violence perpetrated by men against women erodes the social fabric of nations. 

It imposes a heavy burden that constrains development and weakens inclusive growth. 

Men and boys are critical partners in transforming harmful norms and advancing gender justice.

They must be actively involved in challenging inherited attitudes, power imbalances and social structures that normalise violence and silence survivors."

On Thursday, 4 December 2025, President Ramaphosa will address a Men's Indaba agaist Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, organised by the office of the Premier of the Free State Province. The President will be calling on men to be more active and involved in preventing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President- media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

On Expanding public-private partnerships/investment

Honourable Chairperson, 

Please allow me to begin by observing that today marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which will take place between 25 November and 10 December 2025. 

This is a global campaign aimed at addressing all forms of violence against women and girls around the world. In South Africa, the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Sindisiwe Chikunga, will officially launch the campaign in Gauteng today, under the theme “Letsema”. 

This is a call to men, women, boys, girls, organised formations and the media to collaborate in ending Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), emphasising a shared societal responsibility. 

As President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared, GBVF is a national crisis that requires us to mobilise all resources and invest our energies to win this war. As a country, we refuse to accept that GBVF as normal. To fight GBVF effectively, we need to continually raise awareness, improve coordination and mobilise resources among our institutions. All of us must be activists against GBV starting in our homes, communities, work and in leadership roles. We must declare that this scourge will not persist under our watch.

Honourable Chairperson,

Let me thank Hon Mmoeimang for this crucial question. Indeed, many of our municipalities are grappling with challenges related to the provision of water and sanitation due to a combination of factors, and these include poor governance, lack of technical and administrative capacity, inadequate infrastructure investment, poor maintenance, and financial mismanagement.

The Department of Water and Sanitation reports that there has been a severe decline in the capacity of many municipalities to deliver water services to communities. This has resulted in a decline in the national average for reliability to 68% and deteriorating water quality in about 60% of water supply systems. 

I must highlight that government is taking decisive steps to resolve the systemic issues that continue to hinder reliable provision of water and sanitation services to local communities. Through the Water Task Team, we are tackling water security challenges by improving infrastructure, reforming institutions, and expediting project implementation in a coordinated approach.

The Water and Sanitation Indaba held in March 2025 proposed key interventions aimed at addressing the challenge of water provision and continuous disintegration of critical water infrastructure. Among others, key recommendations included increased investment through financing options and ensuring the financial viability of the sector. 

In addition, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has established a Water Partnership Office (WPO) housed at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to help municipalities prepare projects for private sector investment. 

Through this office the DWS is already implementing several Public-Private Partnerships such as the Olifants River Management Model Programme.

This programme has been introduced to address the bulk water needs, particularly within the Limpopo Province to facilitate economic development and the delivery of bulk raw water to municipalities. This model is based on a 50:50 Public-Private Partnership where 50% of the cost of the project is contributed by the mining companies and 50% is funded by government through water infrastructure grants and from the Budget Facility for Infrastructure. 

Furthermore, DWS, Water Boards and Water Service Authorities are working to increase collaboration with the Infrastructure Fund to put in place more Blended Finance Water Projects, over the next three years. 

In conclusion, Government is aware of and is responding to corruption and criminality associated with water tanker operations. In this regard, National Treasury has issued a circular cautioning municipalities against long-term reliance on water tankers, which can only be used as temporary emergency measures. 

As government we call for increased community participation in protecting critical infrastructure. We also urge communities to report suspicious activities and embrace the culture of whistleblowing to expose criminal networks and corruption within the water sector.

Thank you, Honourable Chairperson.

 
On Legislative initiatives

Honourable Chairperson,

The question raised by Honourable Boshoff is significant, as it affords us an opportunity to clarify the role of the Leader of Government Business in the introduction of legislative proposals by the Executive, and the processing of draft legislation by Parliament. 

As such the seventh administration is guided by a clear legislative and policy agenda, deeply rooted in the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029. This plan is not just a five-year strategy; it serves as the final, accelerated implementation phase of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, with a focus on addressing the nation's core challenges: poverty, inequality, and unemployment. 

Equally, the legislative programme is strategically structured around three main priorities of the Government of National Unity, which are driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackle the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical, and a developmental state. Therefore, Bills and policy reforms are designed to deliver these outcomes across governance, the economy, and social welfare.

Having said that, Honourable Chairperson, Section 85(2)(d) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, specifies that the President exercises national executive authority, along with other members of Cabinet, by preparing and initiating legislation. 

In this regard, the Leader of Government Business is responsible for the development of the Legislative Programme of the Executive and further monitors its implementation by Parliament.

Furthermore, Rules 272 and 273 of the National Assembly outline procedures for the preparation of draft Bills initiated by National Assembly members in their individual capacity, and the submission of legislative proposals for the introduction of Bills initiated by National Assembly Committees.

Honourable Chairperson,

While the Leader of Government Business is responsible for the programming of Parliamentary business initiated by the National Executive. In terms of the Joint Rules of Parliament, the Leader of Government Business does not have control over the introduction and processing of Bills initiated by MP’s as Private Members Bills or those introduced by National Assembly committees.

However, we will support legislative proposals initiated by MP’s as Private Members Bills or National Committees Bills, provided they align with the priorities of the Government of National Unity and are subject to adequate consultation and consensus.

I thank you Honourable Chairperson. 

 
Water crisis in rural/township communities

Honourable Chairperson, 

Let me thank Honourable Makesini for insuring that we keep addressing this important issue that has to do with water. Indeed, many of our rural municipalities are dependent on conditional grant funding to provide basic services to poor households.

However, through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) which is the largest conditional grant government provides approximately 54% (R9,5 billion per annum) of the annual grant allocation to implement water services infrastructure projects especially in the rural part of our country. The MIG is implemented by 217 municipalities which includes 127 Water Services Authorities (WSAs) as indicated above this intervention is mainl in rural areas of our country. 

To this end, on 1st August 2025, together with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, and the Premier of North-West Province, we had an opportunity to hand over the 25ml Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Reservoir in Dilopye, Moretele Local Municipality. 

This project is part of an integrated service delivery outreach program, aimed at improving water supply reliability for communities in villages around the Moretele Local Municipality in the North-West Province. To implement these and other similar projects, government has committed to spend over R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years, with a portion specifically earmarked for water-related projects. 

Honourable Chairperson, 

Securing reliable bulk water supply and improving sanitation infrastructure is a critical focus area. This work includes Bulk Water Augmentation, as such, we are focusing on upgrading the Amatola Water Bulk Water Augmentation Programme that is currently underway. This project will ultimately benefit rural communities through improved water security and socio-economic development.

We are also investing generally in water and sanitation infrastructure restoration. Hence together with Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, work is currently in progress to upgrade the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works. This is an example of an extension project aimed at improving water and sanitation services.

However, for overall response to access quality water, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is making significant progress on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II, a major water transfer scheme essential for water security, which will benefit Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, North-West, and the Northern Cape.

Government remains committed to improve the provision of reliable water supply especially to township and rural communities.  

I thank you, Honourable Chairperson.

On Addressing systemic issues in policing/justice system

Honourable Chairperson,

Let me thank Honourable Nonkonyana for raising a matter that is troubling our communities. 

Government, through the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Crime-prevention and Security (JCPS) as well as the National Security Council led by the President is implementing measures to address systemic weaknesses in policing, the justice system and the entire security cluster, that hinder the effective arrest, prosecution and conviction of perpetrators of gang violence. To this end, government is investing in an integrated, intelligence-driven approach.

This strategy will ensure that gangs, and criminal networks, are investigated, neutralised and dismantled. Furthermore, the South African Police Service is currently implementing the National Anti-Gang Strategy in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng to combat gangsterism. This strategy aims to dismantle criminal networks through methods like intelligence-led operations, proactive policing, and community engagement. 

The roll-out includes expanding the scope of anti-gang units to cover crimes such as drug trafficking, shootings, and murders in these provinces. Gang-related crime is a key element of the SAPS Operation Shanyela which focuses on the immediate stabilisation of violent crime through weekly, intelligence-led high-density operations.

Operation Shanyela involves collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, key government departments, and civil society partners. This strategy seeks to address crime in the Top 30 plus 5 high crime contributing stations, recognising that these areas contribute significantly to the overall crime rate in the country.

In this regard, the National Crime Combatting Forum has directed provinces to develop and implement annual intervention plans and give reasons for non-achievement. These plans aim to eliminate immediate threats posed by crime and gangs in identified high-crime areas while fostering a safe and secure environment for long-term stability. 

Honourable Chairperson

Accelerating the processing of court cases and strengthening the delivery of criminal justice are critical to restoring and sustaining public confidence in the justice system. 

In this regard, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has established case flow management committees in all courts, which include representatives from the Department, the Judiciary, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). These committees manage the progression of cases by setting goals, exchanging expertise, and coordinating efforts to ensure that cases are finalized efficiently.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has also established the National Case Backlogs Committee, consisting of the members of the Judiciary, the NPA, Legal Aid South Africa, the Office of the Chief Justice, the SAPS, the Department for Correctional Services, the Legal Practice Council and officials from the Court Administration Branch of the Department. This Committee is tasked with addressing blockages, which result in delays, postponements and contribute to growing case backlogs in the courts. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is finalising the Transnational Organised Crime strategy, which brings together the SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African Revenue Services (SARS), and the Financial Intelligence Centre. 

In conclusion, Government will continue to implement a combination of integrated strategic, operational, prosecutorial, and judicial measures to close systemic gaps that have long enabled gang leaders and other perpetrators to evade accountability.

I thank you, Honourable Chairperson.
 
Debt relief for municipalities

Honourable Chairperson, 

Let me welcome this question by Honourable Van den Berg focusing on service delivery. As the Deputy President of RSA, one of my key responsibilities assigned by the President is to focus on improving service delivery and realising the District Development Model (DDM), which in essence, is a whole of government approach in improving service delivery and functionality of the government.

As such, together with COGTA, National Treasury and other critical Departments, I have been focusing on improving the functionality of municipalities as well as addressing community concerns. Together with the Ministers who serve in the Service Delivery Inter-Ministerial Committee, we have been advocating and implementing several measures to tackle the escalating municipal debt and service delivery failures, particularly in under-resourced municipalities like Sol Plaatje Local Municipality.

The National Treasury has introduced a Municipal Debt Relief Package for municipalities owing large sums of money to Eskom and Water Boards. This is because we are aware that as of June 2025, municipal debt to Water Boards stood at R25.1 billion.

Hence part of the plan, among others, is to Top-Slice Transfers. This would mean National Treasury would withhold Equitable Share transfers from non-compliant municipalities and redirect funds to settle debts with service providers. This is a corrective action intended to enforce financial accountability and ensure essential services continue to be provided by bulk suppliers like Water Boards and Eskom. 

Through the Debt Relief Package, municipalities are encouraged to enter into structured payment agreements which include payment plans for historic debt and the ring-fencing of disputed amounts for resolution. Non-compliance may lead to cancellation of this allocated relief.

Honourable Chairperson,

Through Operation Vulindlela Phase II, Government has launched reforms to the Local Government Funding Model. This work includes the the review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government to improve governance and financial sustainability of municipality.

Through the Metro Trading Services Programme (MTSP), we are targeting eight metros to improve financial and technical performance from July 2025.

Furthermore, through the Clean Cities and Towns Campaign as part of a “whole-of-government” approach, we are investing in improving service delivery as well as municipal accountability.

Infrastructure upgrades in Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality are being funded through a combination of national, provincial, and municipal resources, with a strong emphasis on conditional grants, capital injections, and oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability.

We are working with National Treasury and the Premier of the Northern Cape to fund and support infrastructure development at Sol Plaatjie Municipality. As such, National Treasury has allocated R2.5 billion, through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI), over seven years, to address water infrastructure. This investment includes refurbishment of bulk pipelines, upgrades to water treatment works, pressure management and leak detection.

Equally, Sol Plaatje Municipality has committed over R500 million for infrastructure upgrades in the 2025/2026 financial year. This is dedicated towards electrification of underserved areas, sewer pump station upgrades, road and reservoir improvements and redevelopment of public facilities like the RC Elliot Hall in Galeshewe, Kimberley.

National Treasury will continue to monitor municipalities to ensure responsible use of relief funds and prevention of wasteful expenditure.

I thank you Honourable Chairperson.

On Assessing land restitution projects

Honourable Chairperson

Let me thank Honourable Legwase for ensuring that we keep the Land question top on our agenda.

As Government we continue to assess progress regarding land restitution projects. This assists us in fast-tracking land reform and returning ancestral land to communities. 

I am pleased to report that since 1996, Government has spent over R58 billion on land restitution, acquiring 4 million hectares of farmland for dispossessed communities.

With regards to Dawn Valley Farm which is (2,140 ha) and Ponderosa Farm (770 ha), these farms were purchased in 2008 for R12.8 million and R8 million, respectively.

I am aware that both farms are facing serious challenges of vandalised infrastructure and have not been well managed. Through Post Settlement Support Programmes, Government aims to provide support to all beneficiaries of land reform who choose land restoration over financial compensation, including Dawn Valley and Ponderosa Farms, to ensure that they are back to full operation.

In addition, Government is investing in the Professionalisation of CPAs, Training and mentorship for beneficiaries and partnerships with experienced farmers or agri-businesses. Professionalising Communal Property Associations (CPAs) is essential to ensure that restituted land is productively managed, commercially viable, and beneficial to communities. 

As part of the implementation of the new Communal Property Associations Amendment Act of 2024, Government, civil society, and advisory bodies are implementing key strategies to strengthen CPA’s governance and functionality, primarily through institutional support, and multi-sectoral partnerships.

We are investing in supporting CPAs to ensure food security and agricultural revitalisation. The aim is to restore productivity on restituted farms; and support rural economies and job creation.

I thank you Honourable Chairperson.

THEMATIC SESSION 1 MULTILATERALISM         

Your Excellency João Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union,
Your Excellency António Costa, President of the European Council,
Your Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission,
Your Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
Your Excellency António Gutteres, Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Excellencies, 
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to begin by congratulating our hosts, the Republic of Angola, on the 50^th anniversary of their independence.

This milestone is a reminder of the long road we have travelled together, as countries and as a continent. It gives us inspiration and encouragement as we chart the road ahead.

It is fitting that the African Union's theme for this year is: “Year of Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”.

If, in line with this them, we are to address historical injustices and build a better future, we need to reinforce multilateralism.

The multilateral system is under great pressure. Geopolitical rivalry continues to cause turbulence in the rules-based international order. 

South Africa remains convinced that global challenges are best resolved through multilateralism anchored on the principles of the United Nations Charter. 

Significant reforms are required to transform the United Nations, global financial architecture, and the international trade system to enhance sustainability, efficiency, inclusiveness and the voice of developing economy countries.

More than two thirds of UN General Assembly Member States still do not enjoy permanent representation on the Security Council. 

To ensure the Security Council's credibility and legitimacy, we need to advance Africa's position as per the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

For Africa, a stable and predictable multilateral trading system is essential to support growth and meaningful integration into the global economy.

Inequality in global trade affects the world’s most vulnerable, including countries that are already burdened by mounting sovereign debt, a sharp decline in exports, and cuts in overseas development assistance. 

These are issues that are addressed in the G20 Leaders’ Declaration adopted in Johannesburg over the weekend.

In the declaration, the leaders reaffirm their commitment to support efforts by low- and middle-income countries to address debt vulnerabilities.

They also affirm the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.

Significantly, the Leaders’ Declaration acknowledges that the agreed-upon rules in the WTO are key to facilitating global trade. 

In the declaration, the G20 leaders recognise that meaningful and comprehensive reform of the WTO is essential to improve its functions so that it is better suited to advance all Members’ objectives.

When global trade systems are stable and predictable, it gives confidence to governments, assurance to exporters and offers security to workers around the world.

Such reform should be development-centred and address persisting development gaps in the global economy. Crucially, it must allow developing economies to adopt legitimate public policy measures that support value addition, industrialisation and diversification.

We need to ensure that trade becomes a powerful instrument for inclusive, sustainable and balanced growth.

This year, we celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the AU-EU Partnership. 

This is a pivotal moment to jointly champion Africa’s Agenda 2063 and its Second Ten Year Implementation Plan, with youth and women empowerment at the centre of our efforts.

As we build this partnership between Africa and Europe – as we reflect on where we have come from and where we want to go – we must be resolute in working towards deepening the economic, social and political integration of the African continent. 

I thank you.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, appear before a sitting of the National Council Provinces (NCOP) to respond to questions posed by NCOP Delegates representing their Provinces, related to his Delegated Responsibilities.

As Chairperson of the Water Task Team, the Deputy President will outline measures taken by Government to expand Public-Private Partnerships and investment to address persistent water and sanitation challenges linked to ageing infrastructure, climate change and limited municipal capacity.

Regarding systemic weaknesses in policing and the justice system, the Deputy President will outline measures being implemented through the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Crime Prevention and Security to strengthen policing capacity, improve coordination within the criminal justice system, and enhance the effectiveness of law-enforcement agencies in high-crime areas affected by gang activity.

The Deputy President will further apprise the Members of Parliament in the NCOP on Government’s efforts to stabilise and strengthen municipalities facing significant financial strain and service delivery failures. This includes targeted support to under-resourced municipalities such as the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, where escalating debt, mounting arrears and deteriorating infrastructure have undermined service delivery. 

To fast-track land reform and return ancestral land to communities, the Deputy President will update Parliament on the assessment of land restitution projects, through which Government is prioritising support to Communal Property Associations (CPAs) and other agricultural support initiatives to stimulate rural economic development and job creation.

In addition, the Deputy President will brief Parliament on how legislative initiatives from Cabinet, Parliamentary Committees and Private Members are processed.

Details of the NCOP sitting are as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Time: 14:00
Venue: NCOP Chambers, Cape Town

Q & A Session will be streamed live on Parliamentary Channel 408 and Parliamentary YouTube channel.
 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Luanda, Angola, this morning, Monday, 24 November 2025, to attend the 7th African Union-European Union Summit from 24 to 25 November.

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the partnership between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) since its 1st Summit in Cairo, Egypt, in 2000.

The structure was known at the time as the “EU-Africa Partnership”.

The “EU-Africa Partnership” was transformed into the “AU-EU Summit” in 2017, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The 7th AU-EU Summit takes place at a time of unprecedented threats to global peace and security, ongoing conflicts in some regions of the world.

Other global challenges include an inclination to unilateralism on the part of certain states.

The Luanda Summit does, however, follow the success under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa of the 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.

The African Union and the European Union contributed significantly to the consensus achieved during South Africa’s year-long G20 Presidency on the key issues facing the global economy and human society.

South Africa, as a Member State of the AU, will prioritise support from the EU region for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of the AU Agenda 2063.

The Summit is a platform for AU and EU member states to strengthen political and economic ties between two significant world regions.
The African Union will be led by host President João Lourenço as Chairperson of the AU, and His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission.

Europe will be represented by the President of the European Council, António Costa, President of the European  Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and the Leaders of Denmark, France, Hungary, Croatia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Italy, Finland, Poland, Slovakia, Portugal, Ireland and Germany.

The 7th AU-EU Partnership Summit in Luanda will be underpinned by two Plenary Thematic Sessions, which illustrate established areas of cooperation between the African Union and the European Union, namely:

* Thematic Session I: Peace, Security and Governance and Multilateralism
* Thematic Session II: Prosperity, People – Migration and Mobility

President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President- media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria
 

This afternoon His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile had a Courtesy Meeting with Premier LI Qiang of the People’s Republic of China at the NH Hotel, Sandton. 

The meeting provided an opportunity to advance South Africa’s strategic objectives in trade, investment, industrialisation, multilateral cooperation and governance, while deepening political and diplomatic ties with China. 

During the meeting, Deputy President Mashatile emphasised South Africa’s readiness to expand value-added exports, attract greater Chinese investment in beneficiation, manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital sectors, integrating South African firms into Chinese and global value chains for inclusive growth and job creation, especially for the youth.

Following by President Ramaphosa’s State Visit and Deputy President Mashatile’s visit to China in July 2025, this high-level engagement was to consolidate and leverage the All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era. 

On Friday, 21 November 2025, G20 leaders adopted the Declaration by an overwhelming consensus at the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. Deputy President Mashatile, expressed his appreciation of the Chinese’ substantive and financial support for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and in its other developmental efforts.

“I would like to reaffirm South Africa’s appreciation for China’s support, including its generous contributions of RMB 2 million (R5.34 million) to DIRCO and an additional USD 2 million (R36.8 million) in support of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and Leaders’ Summit,” said Deputy President Mashatile. 

Africa will soon participate in the 4th Session of the South Africa-China High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM) and the 13^th South Africa-China Strategic Dialogue to be held back-to-back in Beijing in December 2025. In March 2026, South Africa will host the Bi-National Commission (BNC)  in South Africa.
 

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

 

Leaders of the G20 Member States and Invited Countries,
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres,
Heads of International Organisations,
Ministers,
Distinguished Guests.

I extend my deepest gratitude for the steadfast support you have shown throughout South Africa’s G20 Presidency. 

Your commitment has been vital in reaffirming the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, and ensuring that it continues to drive progress on our most important challenges. 

We have met this year in the face of significant challenges, and demonstrated our ability to come together even in times of great difficulty to pursue a better world.

South Africa’s Presidency marks the first time that the G20 has been hosted on African soil. 

Recognising the importance of this milestone, we have sought to place Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda.

The greatest opportunity for prosperity in the 21st century lies in Africa. 

Harnessing that opportunity will require a strong partnership between Africa and the G20, and indeed between Africa and the rest of the world. 

Recognising our interconnectedness as a global community of nations, we have called for an end to conflicts and wars around the globe and for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.

This summit has taken place at a crucial moment, as calls around the world grow louder for progress on the imperatives of our time: to end poverty in all its forms, to reduce inequality within and among countries, and to take urgent action to combat climate change.

This year, we have recognised the growing debt burden faced by many developing economies as a major obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The G20 has pledged to extend support to low‑ and middle‑income countries as they confront debt vulnerabilities. 

Together, we must create a virtuous cycle of reduced debt, higher public investment and more rapid and inclusive economic growth.

When we began our Presidency, we pledged to mobilise the G20 to strengthen disaster resilience and response. 

Climate‑induced natural disasters spare no country, but their toll is heaviest on those without the means to recover and rebuild. 

We therefore called on G20 Leaders to urge the global community to scale up post-disaster reconstruction. 

In this regard, South Africa introduced the High-Level Voluntary Principles for Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction and encouraged international collaboration to strengthen investment in preventing and responding to disasters. 

We have made progress in mobilising finance for a just energy transition.

Climate change touches every nation, but its impacts are unevenly felt. 

That is why we have together pledged to increase the quality and quantity of climate finance to developing economies, to strengthen multilateral development banks, to support country platforms like the Just Energy Transition Partnership, and to unlock private capital. 

We reaffirmed our dedication to energy security, affordability and universal access, and the importance of supporting developing economies in their transition to low carbon emissions.

We recognised the need for deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the need to substantially scale up investment and climate finance from all sources.

During this summit, we reaffirmed our support for the G20 Critical Minerals Framework, a cooperative blueprint to ensure that critical mineral resources drive prosperity and sustainable development across the globe. 

Our Presidency coincided with the end of the first cycle of G20 Presidencies. 

Following the mandate given to our Presidency at the 2024 Rio de Janeiro Summit, we undertook the G20@20 Review, drawing on the diverse perspectives of participating members and guest countries.

It is our hope that recommendations of the Review will serve as a helpful guide for the G20 to ensure that it remains fit for purpose in an ever-changing world. 

At the heart of our Presidency lies a conviction that the G20 must act boldly, and act together, to create an environment of inclusive growth, reduced inequality and sustainable development. 

South Africa has used this Presidency to place the priorities of Africa and the Global South firmly at the heart of the G20 agenda. 

Building on the developmental agenda of previous Presidencies in Indonesia, India and Brazil, we have prioritised the issues that matter most to developing economies.

The G20 South Africa Summit Leaders’ Declaration is more than words – it is a commitment to concrete actions that will improve the lives of people in every part of the world. 

Our agreement on a declaration during this summit demonstrates the value of the G20 as a forum that can facilitate joint action on issues of shared concern.

More than that, it reaffirms our renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation and our recognition that our shared goals outweigh our differences.

Together, we must accelerate progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Pact for the Future.

We have laid the foundation of solidarity; now we must build the walls of justice and the roof of prosperity.

Let us move forward together, demonstrating to the world that we have the capacity to confront and overcome the world’s challenges. 

Through partnerships across society, and by remembering our common humanity, we can create a more secure, a more just and a more prosperous world. 

Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind. 

I thank you.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is an honour to welcome you to South Africa and to this IBSA Leaders’ Meeting.

The world in which we live is changing rapidly and dramatically.

It is clear that the countries of IBSA are ready to be part of global change and to work for a better future.

India, Brazil and South Africa are not merely participating in global economic governance, but are working to shape the global agenda. 

IBSA stands out as a testament to the durability of principled and constructive cooperation.

Our grouping affirms that diversity is not a fault line but a source of strength.

It reminds us that collaboration among equals is indispensable to global peace, prosperity and stability.

Our cooperation is grounded in the daily realities of our people.

Together, we must champion ambitious reform of the global governance institutions.

We must reinvigorate commitments to climate action and deepen cooperation on just energy transitions.

We must safeguard food and health security, and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably.

We must position ourselves as co-architects of a more representative and responsive multilateral system.

The structural fault in the global economy – the growing gap between the rich and the poor and deepening poverty and underdevelopment – can only effectively be addressed through a new paradigm of inclusive economic growth.

Through initiatives like the IBSA Fund, we continue to demonstrate the practical value of our association, particularly in the assistance provided for those most in need.

I am therefore delighted that we will be signing a collaboration agreement on foundational learning as a follow up of the agreement that has been signed by the three IBSA Education Ministers.

South Africa wishes that, as IBSA, we revitalise our interactions and renew our determination to advance our founding goals.

I hope that we will soon hold our Leaders’ Summit on a mutually-agreed date.

We have always been proud of the frankness of our discussions, our appetite for reflection and our continuous quest for lasting solutions to the economic and social challenges that confront all of us.

As South Africa assumes the chair of IBSA, these are the qualities which we intend to sustain and to enhance.

As we gather under the G20 Presidency theme of "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability", let us recall that IBSA is more than a forum for dialogue.

IBSA is a catalyst for global transformation.

Together, we represent not only the aspirations of our own citizens, but the hopes of a Global South that seeks dignity, respect and partnership in shaping the future.

I thank you.

Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, 
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour and privilege to welcome you all.

As South Africa’s G20 Presidency nears its close, we reflect on the journey we have travelled together to give meaning to the principles of solidarity, equality and sustainability.

We have worked together to reaffirm the role of the G20 as a forum of constructive dialogue and meaningful international cooperation. 

In South Africa we speak of the spirit of Ubuntu.

It teaches us that progress is not a solitary pursuit but a shared endeavour. 

That our strength lies in our shared humanity.

This spirit has guided our Presidency.

It has been reinforced by your support, your collaboration and your shared commitment to a more just, inclusive and sustainable world.

For this, I extend my deepest appreciation to each of you and your countries.

Across the year, we have worked to advance areas that are central to global well-being.

We have deliberated on measures to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, to reduce inequality and to advance debt sustainability.

We have discussed how we can make the world a place where the aspirations of all people to a decent life, lived in peace and with dignity, may be realised.

Today, we have adopted the Leaders’ Declaration of the G20 South Africa Summit, in which we outline the far-reaching actions on which we have agreed to build a better, more equal and sustainable world.

The Leaders’ Declaration is a profound affirmation of the value of multilateralism and the importance of dialogue.

We extend our appreciation for the constructive contribution that all countries have made towards this common vision.

As South Africa, we have sought to place Africa’s development firmly on the agenda of the G20.

We have done so not only because this is the first time the G20 is being held in Africa, but because Africa’s success is so important to progress and prosperity across the globe. 

While our challenges are many, our capacity to confront them is great.

As we share this meal, let us remember why the G20 exists – to bring nations together, to bridge divides, and to forge solutions that none of us could achieve alone.

Allow me to thank all the sponsors who have partnered so willingly with the South African government to ensure the successful hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. We express a special appreciation to Naspers for provision of the luncheon and the dinner we are enjoying.

As the leaders of the G20 and Guest Countries, let us continue to walk this path together, guided by empathy, strengthened by cooperation and united by the responsibility we have towards this generation and the many to follow.

As South Africa hands over the Presidency of the G20, we do so with confidence that the partnerships forged this year will continue to guide the work ahead.

I thank you once again for your friendship, your dedication and your continued support.

May this evening deepen the fellowship that has sustained us and inspire renewed purpose as we look to the future. 

I thank you.

Your Excellencies,    
Heads of States and Government of the G20 Members and Invited Countries,
Heads of International Organisations, 
Foreign Ministers in attendance,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Welcome to Session Two of today's programme, which focuses on the role of the G20 in building a more resilient world 

As a global community, we are faced by several formidable and related issues: poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, inequality, environmental degradation and climate change. 

The complexity of these challenges calls for enhanced reforms and collective action.

Resilience is not merely about recovery after a disaster or crisis. 

It is about foresight and shared responsibility for sustainable development. 

A resilient world can only be achieved through inclusive economic growth, strengthening global partnerships and reforming international institutions.

It means we must prepared.

We must, as a matter of urgency, integrate disaster risk reduction into macroeconomic policies, climate financing and sustainable infrastructure development. 

We must ensure that vulnerable countries and communities have equitable access to technologies, finance and the capacity to anticipate and withstand future shocks.

As we look ahead, South Africa believes our collective efforts should focus on three imperatives:

First, we must strengthen global early warning systems. 

For many countries, this means scaling up investment in data, technology and capacity to reach the most vulnerable communities.

Second, we must mobilise innovative financing for resilience. 

The G20 should champion accessible, predictable and equitable disaster risk financing instruments. We need to pool risk, mobilise anticipatory funding and forge public-private partnerships.

Third, we must mainstream disaster risk reduction into all sectors of economic planning, from energy and infrastructure to agriculture and urban development.

Sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth requires that we take measures to address the severe imbalance in vulnerability to the increasing effects of climate change.

Those countries most affected by severe weather events are often those that bear the least responsibility for climate change.

This threatens to further deepen inequality between and within countries.

Developing economies need resources and technical partnerships for effective adaptation and resilience. 

We need to make good on our commitments to fund loss and damage caused by climate change.

As 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, we recognise its historic contribution to fostering universal climate action.

And yet global temperatures continue to climb.

We have no choice but to fully and effectively implement the Paris Agreement and its temperature goal.

In doing so, we must hold fast to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. 

Just transition pathways are key enablers for climate action. 

These should encompass a whole of economy and whole of society approach.

Just transitions must support efforts to eradicate poverty and promote human rights, workers' rights and gender equality. They must foster meaningful social and economic opportunities.

In the face of persistent hunger and escalating climate pressures, we face a sobering reality: according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, as many as 720 million people are experiencing hunger worldwide. 

Excessive food price volatility continues to undermine purchasing power, especially for low-income communities.

We applaud the G20 for continuously keeping food security at the centre of its developmental agenda. 

South Africa made food security one of the priorities of our G20 Presidency, building on the excellent work of previous presidencies, including the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty established under the Brazilian Presidency.

Platforms such as the Agriculture Working Group, Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists and the Food Security Task Force have delivered outcomes that underscore the importance of building inclusive, diverse, resilient and sustainable food systems.

Since it was formed, at a time of crisis, the G20 and the world has had to confront several crises.

Unless we act now to build resilience and sustainability, the crises we face tomorrow will be more devastating, more damaging and more lasting.

I thank you.