Assistant Dean, Dr Ramollo,
GCIS Acting DDG, Mr Sandile Nene,
TUT Faculty Members and Students,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is indeed an honour and a privilege to have been entrusted to share some thoughts on South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of Twenty, commonly known as the G20. 

Today’s engagement is also crucial as institutions of higher learning play a vital role in thought leadership, shaping public policy and discourse. 

Being among South Africa’s biggest residential universities, the Tshwane University of Technology has a vital role to play in producing future leaders who will propel South Africa’s developmental agenda.  

Fellow compatriots,  

Before getting into our subject matter, it is important to give a bit of back of block. So firstly, what is the G20, when and why was it founded? 

The G20 was formed in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis of 1997–1998 as an informal forum for the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the most important industrialised and developing economies to discuss international economic and financial stability. 

The forum initially focused largely on broad macroeconomic issues, but it has since expanded its agenda to inter-alia include trade, climate change, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.

It comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States) and two regional bodies, namely the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU).

The G20 members represent around 85% of the global Gross Domestic Product, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

The G20 was upgraded to the level of Heads of State/Government in the wake of the global economic and financial crisis of 2007, and in 2009, when it became apparent that the necessary crisis coordination would only be possible at the highest political level. 

Since then, the G20 Leaders have met regularly, and the G20 has become the premier forum for international economic cooperation. 

The primary focus of the forum is to increase multilateral cooperation for the recovery of the global economy, bring stability to the global financial system, promote long-term sustainable growth and strengthen global economic governance.

Since President Ramaphosa took over the Presidency of the G20 in December 2024, a lot of public discourse has already gone into what this could potentially mean for South Africa particularly in a post-COVID 19 era where developing economies are still on a path to recovery.  

More importantly, what does this mean for the ordinary South African who will not sit at the Leaders’ Summit when South Africa hosts the G20 Summit in November 2025?

Programme Director,

South Africa will hold the presidency of the G20 until 30 November 2025, and our theme is “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”  

We will use the G20 to focus on inclusive and sustainable economic growth that benefits our citizens.  Through the G20 Presidency, we will foster inclusive economic growth, industrialisation and employment. 

This Presidency is about demonstrating that our country is open for business. South Africa is an attractive destination for business services, and has sophisticated digital infrastructure, including mobile networks and high-speed broadband.

On the economic front, the G20 will provide a massive boost, especially in areas such as tourism and hospitality. The over 200 expected G20 related meetings have already commenced in our country presenting opportunities for the country’s tourism, manufacturing, trade and other investment growth.

A major focus area will be using the G20 to find solutions to tackle food security and hunger.  

We are also intently focusing on youth employment, closing the gender gap, reducing inequality and protecting the environment. 

The G20 will unlock new possibilities in Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has the potential to provide unprecedented economic and social opportunities.

Even as we meet today, the wheels of the G20 are churning. Since officially assuming the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, South Africa has convened 51 meetings across all the Sherpa Tracks and Finance Track Working Groups. 

These meetings are results focussed and have discussed some of the most important and urgent challenges facing the global community.  They reflect our strong determination to seek sustainable and innovative solutions through dialogue, collaboration and cooperation. 

Allow me just to give you a tiny insight into the many working parts of the G20. Thus far the following meetings have been held during the month of May: 

- The G20 Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment Conference on 6 to 9 May 2025 in the North West, sought to influence future G20 policy through the introduction of a Guidelines Framework for Mainstreaming Women’s Priorities, ensuring women’s financial empowerment remains central to global institutional and economic reforms. 

- The Second G20 Culture Working Group session held on 5 and 6 May 2025 in Gauteng discussed shaping global cultural policies with far-reaching social and economic implications. It focused on aligning priorities to Agenda 2063, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and protecting heritage as a human right.

- The Third Health Working Group Meeting, held virtually on 8 and 9 May 2025, focused on the healthcare workforce, which is the foundation for health systems and the achievement of universal health coverage, health security, equity, and inclusive growth. Participants further discussed increasing investment and promoting digital and technological innovation in the health sector.

- The Second Tourism Working Group Meeting held from 11 to 13 May 2025 in KwaZulu-Natal deliberated on the G20 tourism priorities to drive sustainable tourism growth among the member countries and the development of a G20 Tourism Action Plan.

Fellow compatriots, 

The G20 is a massive undertaking and provides an unparalleled opportunity for our nation and the continent.  Every successful meeting we host between now and the G20 Summit further cements South Africa as a force in the global arena.  

It also allows us to champion development issues and to prioritise the concerns of Africa and developing countries in the G20. 

We are therefore determined to ensure that our G20 presidency will support the advancement of Africa’s development.  The inclusion of the AU in the G20 was a massive step for the continent and has allowed Africa to show the world that we are a force to be reckoned with. 

As such, the AU priorities for the G20 are all focussed on building Africa into a major player in the global arena. These priorities include achieving the Agenda 2063 and its Second Decade of Action, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Another major priority for the AU is the reform of the international financial architecture.  

A further priority of the AU is focussed on international food security and agriculture, which are high on the agenda of the G20 working groups.  The AU has also rightly focussed on the Just Energy Transition, renewable energy and climate action as African priorities for an African G20. 

Student and Future leaders,

Your interest in the G20 is not only timely, it is essential. The G20 is more than a forum of global leaders; it is a living case study of multilateral cooperation, economic diplomacy, and governance in action. 

It offers invaluable insights into how nations collaborate to address complex global challenges such as financial instability, climate change, inequality, and development. 

For aspiring public servants and policy professionals, the G20 provides a lens through which to understand the real-world implications of international policy decisions and the critical role that effective, ethical, and inclusive public administration plays in shaping them. 

South Africa’s presidency presents a unique opportunity for students to witness and engage with global governance at work and to imagine how their own leadership might contribute to building a more just and sustainable world.

Before I conclude, it would be amiss of us to speak about South Africa’s G20 Presidency without reflecting on the current impasse between South Africa and the United States of America, as we will be handing over the G20 Presidency to the US in November.

As announced by The Presidency this week, President Ramaphosa is currently on a working visit to the USA where he will be meeting with President Trump next week. 

We are confident that this meeting will not only clarify the misinformation that has been spread about our country by forces opposed to transformation, but also allow for a smooth handover of South Africa’s G20 Presidency to the US Presidency in November. 

In closing, we hope to given you a better understanding of the inner workings of the G20 and how South Africa and the continent is working in tandem to use the G20 to create a better Africa, and a better world.  

I look forward to the discussions that are sure to flow from this and to hear your thoughts and insights. It has been an absolute pleasure to be in your company today.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured the late struggle veteran and human rights lawyer Advocate Dumalisile Philemon Pearce Nokwe with the posthumous conferral of the honorary title of Senior Counsel (Silk) for the Republic of South Africa.

The President has bestowed this conferral on the late Adv Nokwe on the eve of the esteemed legal practitioner’s reburial in West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, tomorrow, Saturday, 17 May 2025.

He will be reburied along with his wife, Mrs Vuyiswa Malangabi-Nokwe who passed away in 2008.

She was a distinguished activist in her own right and had obtained a BSc and Bachelor of Education degree.

Advocate “Duma” Nokwe passed away in Zambia in 1978, at the age of 50. He had lived in exile since 1963. His mortal remains were repatriated to South Africa in 2024.

President Ramaphosa has accorded Adv Nokwe a Special Provincial Official Funeral and the President will deliver a tribute at tomorrow’s ceremony.

The posthumous honour bestowed on the first African advocate of the Supreme Court is a high honour that recognises Adv Nokwe’s expertise and contribution to the legal profession.

President Ramaphosa has conferred the status of Senior Counsel on Adv Nokwe in line with the provisions of the Legal Practice Act of 2014, which governs this status and sets out the criteria for its conferral.

In this instance, the Legal Practice Council and the Duma Nokwe Group of Advocates made an application to the President for the Adv Nokwe’s posthumous appointment as a Senior Counsel.

Adv Nokwe, who was born in 1927, obtained a BSc degree from the University of Fort Hare and a diploma in education with which he took up a teaching post in Krugersdorp.

His political activism led to imprisonment during the 1952 Defiance Campaign and his dismissal by the then Transvaal Education Department.

Following his participation in the 1953 World Youth Festival and visits to the then Soviet Union, China and Britain, the South African authorities imposed a banning and restriction order on him.

He subsequently studied law, obtained an LLB degree and became the first black advocate to be admitted to the Johannesburg Society of Advocates.

The Native Affairs Department of the time debarred him from taking chambers with his white colleagues in the Johannesburg city centre and this development led to Adv Nokwe devoting himself to the liberation struggle.

He was put on trial for treason and was subjected to banning orders, arrests and assault by the police.

He was elected Secretary-General of the African National Congress in 1958 and mobilised communities against apartheid until the underground leadership directed him to leave South Africa in January 1963.

Adv Nokwe campaigned against the apartheid state on global platforms including those of the Organisation of African Unity and African Union, and remained an activist until he passed in Lusaka in January 1978.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms. Nonceba Mhlauli, will on Friday deliver the G20 Public Lecture at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, as part of the G20 Outreach Programme.

South Africa is currently leading the G20 Presidency under the theme: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.  

The Public Lecture will be attended by esteemed delegation of both institutions as well as students in the Faculty of Humanities. The Tshwane University of Technology leads the Academic Track of the G20. The Academic Track concentrates on six key thematic areas, each tackling essential financial and economic obstacles that affect women's empowerment.

Members of the media who wish to cover the G20 Public Lecture are invited as follows:

Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
Time: 10h00
Venue: Tshwane University of Technology, Soshanguve South Campus, Pretoria, Gauteng

RSVP: Mpho Phatudi on mphop@gcis.gov.za / +2779 605 2659

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on MandisaM@presidency.gov.za / 082 580 2213

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, will brief members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 14 May 2025.  

The media briefing will take place as follows:  

Date: Thursday, 15 May 2025
Time: 10h30  
Venue: Ronnie Mamoepa Press Room, 1035 Frances Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria

NB: The media briefing will start at 10h30 and will be preceded by a briefing by the Minister of Health. 

Live Streaming details:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/GovernmentZA  
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GovernmentZA   
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GovernmentZA  

Media enquiries: Nomonde Mnukwa, Acting Government Spokesperson, on 083 653 7485

Issued by: Government Communication and Information System
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will embark on a working visit to the United States of America from 19 - 22 May 2025.

On Wednesday, 21 May 2025, President Ramaphosa will meet with President Donald Trump at the White House, in Washington DC to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of interest. 

The President's visit to the US provides a platform to reset the strategic relationship between the two countries.

Further details of the visit will be communicated at a later stage.

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Thursday, 15 May 2025, attend and engage with the agricultural sector at the Nampo Harvest Day agricultural gathering taking place from 13 - 16 May 2025 at Nampo Park in Bothaville, Free State Province.

Hosted annually by GrainSA, NAMPO is one of the biggest agricultural shows in the Southern Hemisphere. The event draws more than 80 000 visitors each year and includes over 750 exhibitors from across the entire agricultural value chain - including mechanisation, technology, inputs, financing, agri-services and farmer support. It is a proudly South African event that brings together commercial, developing and emerging farmers in a spirit of collaboration and shared learning.

The theme for 2025 is "Global Agriculture, Local", which highlights the adaptation of global agricultural innovations to suit South African conditions. 

As the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Agriculture and Land Reform, the Deputy President is known as a keen supporter and enthusiast of agriculture, and his attendance underscores the significance that Government places on agriculture as the biggest contributor to job creation, food security and economic growth in South Africa.

During the visit, the Deputy President will undertake a walkabout through the exhibitions to witness the best agricultural technologies and products on offer, and also engage with selected agricultural groups.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the visit as follows:
Date: Thursday, 15 May 2025
Time: 10h00-13h00
Venue: Nampo Park, Bothaville, Free State Province.

Members of the media are requested to confirm their attendance with Ms Tshiamo Selomo (The Presidency) on 066 118 1505 or Ms Alzena Gomes (Public Relations Officer  Grain SA) on 082 463 4356 or alzena@grainsa.co.za. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency 
Pretoria
 

Programme Director,
Esteemed educators and principals,
Officials from Home Affairs and other departments,
Our dedicated learners, and
Distinguished guests,

Good morning,

It is an honour to be with you here today in Nyanga for this important Career and ID Registration Outreach. I believe this is my first formal programme in the constituency, apart from our earlier back-to-school engagement. As such, I want to begin by introducing myself not only as Deputy Minister in the Presidency, but as the designated Member of Parliament responsible for this constituency.

Every MP is assigned to a Parliamentary Constituency Office, or PCO. The role of a PCO is to bring Parliament closer to the people. It is a space where you the public can engage with your elected representatives, raise service delivery issues, and access information about government programmes. It is here to help close the gap between citizens and the state. I encourage you all to use it. The Nyanga Constituency Office (PCO 601) exists to serve you.

Today, we are gathered for more than just a ceremonial visit. We are here to support real access to opportunity beginning with something as fundamental as an Identity Document. This outreach will assist around 300 Grade 12 learners from six high schools in Nyanga and Gugulethu to register for their first IDs. This is more than just paperwork. An ID is your gateway to adulthood, independence, and participation in exams, university, bursary applications, employment, and voting.

But this programme is not only about getting IDs. It is also about motivating you to apply for tertiary programmes in time. That is why we have combined this outreach with a Career Expo, where young people can meet representatives from different industries, institutions, and government departments. Learners can opportunities for skills development, further education, and future employment. Career expos help expose learners to new possibilities, possibilities that, especially in under-resourced communities, are not always visible.

We are speaking primarily to high school learners today the future leaders, professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs of South Africa. Let me say this clearly: Education remains your most powerful tool. It is the single greatest investment you can make in yourself. And it is the responsibility of government, communities, and families to create an environment where education is protected and prioritised.

I must acknowledge that learning and dreaming big are not always easy especially here in Nyanga, a place often referred to as the murder capital of South Africa. This is a painful label, but it reflects a harsh reality. High crime, gang violence, and trauma have a direct impact on your ability to focus, to feel safe, and to believe in your future.

That is why events like today matter so much. They are a small but important step in saying: We see you. We are with you. And you deserve better.

To our learners: Your dreams are valid. Your journey matters. And your presence here today is the beginning of something powerful. This government, through programmes like the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, the National Pathway Management Network, and outreach efforts like this, is committed to walking with you.

To our partners from Home Affairs and the tertiary institutions present: thank you for your collaboration. This is what it means to work together not in theory, but in practice.

And to every school represented here, thank you for your leadership and your commitment to the learners under your care.

Let us leave here with renewed determination to support one another, to invest in our young people, and to build a future where no learner is left behind.

Thank you. Enkosi. Baie dankie.
 

Programme Director, Ms Rantseli;
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Province, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli and Councillor Cyril Xaba, Mayor of eThekwini: our gracious hosts;
Minister of Tourism in South Africa, Honourable Patricia de Lille and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Honourable Magdeline Sotyu;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present;
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi;
Members of the KZN Provincial Executive;
Executive Mayors and Councillors present;
Leaders and Representatives of Tourism Authorities from across the continent;
Captains of Industry and Business Leaders;
Partners from the Travel and Tourism Industry;
Exhibitors and buyers;
Ladies and gentlemen,

Sanibonani,

Welcome to Africa’s Travel Indaba, here in the vibrant city of Durban, eThekwini, in KwaZulu-Natal. A city renowned for its rich cultural history and breath-taking coastline. It is thus the ideal location for this major event that showcases Africa's tourist offers and potential for growth.

I would also like to congratulate you, Mayor Xaba, and your team for hosting a successful Soweto derby between the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Well done.

Ladies and gentlemen,

May is Africa Month. It is a month to commemorate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now the African Union (AU). This month serves as a reminder to forge unity and strengthen the bonds of solidarity and cooperation among the African states. This is a call we must never forsake until we witness a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.

Thirty years ago, President Mandela spoke at this very event, which was then named the Indaba International Tourism Workshop. On that day, he reaffirmed our country's commitment to work with the rest of Africa to boost South Africa’s and the continent’s tourism industry. He underlined that while we work to improve our tourism industry, we can benefit from the continent's wealth of experience in various aspects.

African wisdom and our knowledge systems have flowed like a river and passed through the ages by the ancestors of this great land, who, against the tides of hardship, stood resolute to protect our beloved Africa, our cherished home. These are leaders who refused to be defined by their circumstances and instead stood as a beacon of light, illuminating Africa's path.

In particular, I speak of those valiant spirits, both men and women, among them Jomo Kenyatta, who united in a fervent spirit of defiance, like the Mau-Mau in Kenya, who rose to claim the freedom of their beautiful homeland, which encompasses the Savannah, Lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley, and mountain highlands.

I am referring to leaders like Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's first president, known for his role in achieving independence for Tanganyika and his efforts to create a unified and egalitarian society. His actions reflected his love and optimism for his country's beauty. Who can today refuse to visit a nation with such amazing wildlife and natural scenery, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater?

We will always be grateful to Thomas Sankara, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Milton Obote, Patrice Lumumba, Kenneth Kaunda, Samora Machel, and other leaders who contributed to the transformation of our wonderful continent. Due to their contributions in achieving political independence, Africa is now welcoming many tourists to explore its beauty, marvels, hospitality, and culture. Many travellers are drawn to uncover the roots that shaped these remarkable men and women of our continent, and for this, we should be proud!

Furthermore, tourists from all over the world can now freely experience a diverse range of attractions, from iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Victoria Falls, our vibrant African cities and wildlife reserves, not forgetting Uganda's diverse national parks and Morocco's rich cultural landscapes.

When you explore Africa's vast regions and different civilisations, you will surely be met by a rich history, customs, and natural beauties that demonstrate the interconnection of this great continent. From the ancient civilisations that thrived along the Nile River to the vivid cultures that cover the streets of busy cities today, Africa is a land full of stories that are just waiting to be told.

Africa’s attractions and influx of tourists also mean that our continent is an important part of the world's economy, politics, growth, and humanity. Despite being separated by man-made borders, the humanity of the African people permeates the veins of all African countries.

Our unity is cemented by social cohesion!

It is a reminder of how unique we are as humans, created with love, compassion, and care that are inextricably linked to our identities. Our humanity makes us stand out in the world's melting pot of cultures, traditions, and heritage.

As Africans, we strive to live by the principles of Ubuntu, which emphasise interconnectedness and promote a sense of community, mutual support, and respect for human dignity. It is a core value that influences social interactions, governance, and conflict resolution, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity.

In the embrace of an interconnected Africa, it is important to recognise the obstacles that the continent encounters. Africa faces numerous challenges, including political strife, poverty, unemployment, and inequality, which have led to widespread misery, violence, and loss of life.

We cannot remain silent when the fabric of our societies disintegrates, torn by widening geopolitical divides, economic tensions, and the harsh impacts of a changing climate, bringing forth catastrophic consequences.

These issues require our collective action. This gathering must confront these challenges and uncover enduring solutions. Africa can overcome any obstacle that stands in her path. However, the key to overcoming lies in our ability to work together.

Compatriots,

Tourism undoubtedly serves as a significant economic engine, a catalyst for social change, and a cornerstone of inclusive growth.

At the heart of this vibrant industry is its human capital. We pride ourselves on the warm human experience and rich cultural diversity that make a visit to Africa unforgettable.

We recognise that for Africa to realise its full potential, we must unlock the vast, untapped opportunities in the tourism sector within our own borders. Tourism contributes significantly to Africa's GDP, directly and indirectly. In 2023, travel and tourism contributed 6.8 per cent to Africa's GDP, up from 5.9 per cent in the previous year.

In South Africa, tourism contributes 8.9 per cent of the GDP and supports 1.68 million jobs – a figure we are determined to grow to 2.2 million jobs by 2030.

Projections indicate that tourism's contribution to GDP could rise to 10.4% by 2030, driven by increased international arrivals, infrastructure investments, and targeted marketing initiatives.

We are determined to accelerate investment, open our skies, deepen our partnerships, and position Africa not at the margins of the global economy, but firmly at its centre – where it belongs.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Africa’s unlimited potential is not just a vision — it’s a Pan-African reality waiting to be realised. Our theme, "Unlimited Africa," is not just a statement; it is a bold declaration of Africa’s promise and possibilities. It speaks of an Africa unbound by old stereotypes, an Africa driven by its ambitions and solutions.

This is an Africa where intra-continental trade, investment, and tourism are no longer mere aspirations but rather everyday realities. The African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to significantly benefit tourism in Africa by fostering intra-African travel, attracting investment in tourism infrastructure, and stimulating economic growth.

What is also important is that we boost our intra-Africa travel while also increasing the share of international tourism. Intra-African tourism is crucial for boosting local economies, fostering regional integration, and promoting cultural understanding within the continent. It creates jobs, strengthens economies, and contributes to infrastructure development while conserving natural environments and cultural assets.

Therefore, Africa’s Travel Indaba stands as a beacon of what is possible when we act together. It reminds us that tourism is not just about travel—it is about connection, empowerment, and shared belief. It is about promoting each other’s markets and harnessing what we have as diverse nations.

The South African Government has already begun this journey of promoting tourism by enabling seamless African travel. We aim to remove barriers, unlock access, and make it easier for Africans and the world to experience Africa. We remain committed to ensuring that travel is safe, secure, and seamless for all. We want each traveller to find joy in their journey through our land.

This will be the case for those who will be travelling to South Africa for the historic G20 Summit, in November. The hosting of the G20 positively catapults Africa into the global spotlight. It signifies a progressive milestone for both South Africa and the African continent, providing an opportunity for us to highlight African perspectives on global economic and development issues.

We need to echo a united African voice on every global stage. With one voice, we boost Africa's role in global matters, strengthen country-to-country integration, and enable better support for important issues like development, peace, and security.

Furthermore, we must engage constructively with our global partners within the G20, developing relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and reciprocity. Together, we can create a more egalitarian and inclusive global order that benefits all countries by overcoming divides and forging partnerships.

Compatriots,

Over 200 G20-related meetings will take place across South Africa, putting our country and our continent at the heart of the world’s most important economic conversations. We have already hosted a successful first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting. The G20 Tourism Working Group has also hosted a second meeting, with subsequent meetings and the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting expected toward the end of the year.

South Africa's tourism priorities for the 2025 G20 Presidency are consistent with the continental priorities outlined in Agenda 2063 and the core objectives of the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa - Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the strategic roadmap guiding the promotion of sustainable tourism development across the African continent.

As the only African member of the G20, South Africa has a solemn responsibility and a proud opportunity to advocate for developing nations and the global South, to champion sustainable tourism, and to secure investment in Africa’s future.

Let us be clear, Africa’s future lies in Africans choosing Africa!
We must choose to explore each other's countries with curiosity and determination.
We must choose to invest in each other's businesses.

Over the decades, we have noted meaningful progress that signifies a shift from viewing tourism purely as leisure to recognising it as a strategic driver of economic development.

This gathering and those that follow ought to act as sparks for greater regional cooperation, enabling African nations to present themselves together as diverse yet unified destinations.

We need to integrate our technologies, innovation, and sustainable practices into the tourism strategies.

More importantly, we must be able to identify the implementation of tangible Empowerment Programmes targeting our local communities through tourism-linked employment and enterprise development.

We must deepen our efforts to build resilient and inclusive tourism economies that benefit women, youth, and people with disabilities. As we come together in discussion and reflection during this Indaba, let us also think about meaningful strategies to enhance our infrastructure, connectivity, and visa systems to facilitate travel throughout our continent.

Last year, we implemented key visa reforms, including the Remote Work Visa and the Points-Based System for skilled workers. Other reforms included revised immigration regulations for countries such as Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.

Indeed, we have seen how this initiative has contributed to the growth in tourist arrivals from Ghana and Kenya. This is without a doubt a clear indication of the power of easing and streamlining immigration requirements combined with targeted and strategic marketing. These success stories are evidence that when we reduce red tape and increase access, our entire tourism economy benefits.

We need to invest more in skills development and digital transformation for the tourism sector to thrive. We must foster innovation and sustainable practices to ensure long-term economic growth.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Let us celebrate the bond that unites Africa, honouring the vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the incredible people that make this continent shine with brilliance.

Let us demonstrate to the world that Africa is ready for business.

With these words, I would like to officially declare the Africa Travel Indaba 2025 open!

Asante Sana, Medaase, I thank you!

President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Monday 12 May 2025, concluded his Working Visit to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

The visit centred on the 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, which was held under the theme, “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa used the Working Visit to Côte d’Ivoire as an opportunity to consolidate existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to discuss matters of mutual interest. The two leaders committed to strengthening bilateral ties and to increase trade between their countries. 

President Ramaphosa also used the Africa CEO Forum as a platform to promote Pan-African trade through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) and align key themes of South Africa’s G20 Presidency with issues of interest for the African continent. 

President Ramaphosa together with his counterparts from Mauritania and Rwanda participated in the Presidential Panel discussion that explored better coordinated efforts to spearhead Africa’s development. 

The Africa CEO Forum is the leading platform for CEOs of the largest continental and and multinational companies, investors, Heads of State and Government, Ministers and representatives of financial institutions.

Since its launch, the event has served as the place of high-level business meetings where new innovations are showcased and business ideas are exchanged.

The Forum was officially opened on 12 May and is scheduled to close on 13 May 2025 in Abidjan. 

South Africa is expected to host the 14th edition of the Africa CEO Forum in 2027.

President Ramaphosa was accompanied by Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe and Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi. 

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

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, through the Nyanga Constituency Office, invites members of the media to cover an outreach programme aimed at supporting learner access to national identification services.

This initiative will assist approximately 300 Grade 12 learners from six high schools across the Nyanga and Gugulethu sub-regions to register for their first Identity Documents (IDs). This service is critical for enabling access to examinations, tertiary education, and economic opportunities.

The Deputy Minister will engage learners, local leaders, and Government partners during the programme, underscoring The Presidency’s commitment to youth development and inclusive service delivery.

Members of the media are invited to cover the Programme as follows:

Date: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Time: 10h00 – 15h00
Venue: Zolani Centre, Nyanga, Western Cape

Media enquiries: Mandisa Mbele, Head: Office of the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, on 082 580 2213 / MandisaM@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria