South Africa's G20 Summit: A Triumph of Unity and Leadership

Reneva Fourie

The vast majority of South Africans beamed with pride when they witnessed the outstanding management of the G20 Summit held in Johannesburg on 22 and 23 November 2025.

It was once again a formidable confirmation that when South Africans stand together, we can achieve what many might regard as impossible. The success of the summit was rooted directly in the unity and cooperation across every sector of society. 

The smooth coordination, welcoming spirit, and intellectual leadership displayed throughout the summit reminded the world that South Africa’s strength lies in its people. The achievement was far more than logistical excellence. It symbolised the capacity of a united country to assert itself on the world stage. South Africans, from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector, collaborated with remarkable cohesion to deliver a historic event. 

This cooperation reflected a broader truth about the national journey. A country once fractured by apartheid’s legacies has relatively cultivated resilience through collective effort, conciliation, and a steadfast commitment to progress. That same commitment drove the summit’s success. 

The summit occurred within a global context marked by instability, economic pressures, and conflicts across several regions. Even so, the country offered a calm, organised platform for dialogue focused on practical solutions. South Africa’s presidency steered sensitive conversations with astute dexterity while resisting any inclination towards coercion or intimidation. This created the conditions for open communication among all participants.

Attaining consensus on the Leaders Declaration was a significant feat that reflected South Africa’s diplomatic finesse. The declaration included a reference to Ubuntu, which captured an ethos embedded in a national character that values dialogue, responsibility, and principled engagement. It also sent a signal that South Africa intends to play a constructive role in world affairs.

The declaration condemned terrorism and called for the end of conflict and war, including in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and Ukraine. South Africa’s presidency navigated these sensitive topics with careful attention to detail.

It ensured that the document balanced the condemnation of civilian attacks with commitments to humanitarian law and civilian protection. The ability to manage these topics in a way that secured agreement from all G20 members reflected disciplined preparation and thoughtful engagement.

Central to the summit’s legacy was its focus on the developmental priorities of Africa and the wider Global South. The declaration addressed the specific challenges that have long constrained growth in these regions.

It recognised the crippling burden of high public debt on low-income countries, particularly in Africa, and committed to improving the Common Framework and reviewing the IMF and World Bank Low-Income Countries Debt Sustainability Framework in a transparent and timely manner. This commitment responded to long-standing calls for a fairer international financial system. It gave new momentum to efforts that seek to reduce debt distress and support sustainable development.

Furthermore, the declaration confronted the severe energy poverty on the continent, where over 600 million people lack access to electricity. It is committed to mobilising finance for just energy transitions.

This included support for tripling renewable energy capacity and the launch of a voluntary platform for clean cooking solutions. The platform addressed a silent crisis that claims millions of African lives each year due to unsafe cooking fuels. These commitments brought attention to real needs that affect the daily lives of millions of people.

The G20 Critical Minerals Framework was another important achievement. It affirmed the sovereign right of countries to develop their mineral resources in ways that promote inclusive growth. For many decades, Africa’s minerals enriched industries elsewhere while offering limited benefit to local communities.

The emphasis on local beneficiation and sustainable value chains encourages African countries to use their mineral wealth as a basis for industrialisation, job creation, and technological advancement. It also signals a shift towards development models that prioritise national interests.

Food security received similar attention. Support for the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme and the African Continental Free Trade Area included strengthening agricultural systems.

These efforts seek to reduce reliance on volatile import markets and build integrated regional value chains. They also aim to improve productivity and enhance regional markets in ways that support long-term stability. The declaration further recognised the importance of climate resilience and disaster preparedness in safeguarding food systems.

The outcomes of the summit reflected a clear intent to cultivate partnerships based on mutual respect and shared goals. The declaration’s breadth, covering areas such as disaster resilience, non-discriminatory trade, technology transfer, and artificial intelligence governance on mutually agreed terms, demonstrated an understanding that global challenges require inclusive solutions.

The collective reaffirmation of the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, underscored a desire for a more stable and rules-based international order. These outcomes pointed toward a multipolar world in which power and influence are more evenly distributed across regions.

The absence of a high-level delegation from the United States deprived it of the opportunity to influence a momentous summit. South Africa managed the discord with calm confidence. It showed the world that South Africans are subservient to no one.

The country’s success did not depend on the presence of any particular power. Instead, it illustrated that the Global South is prepared to lead and that South Africans are ready to chart their own course with dignity and determination.

The G20 Summit in Johannesburg was a triumph of unity, determination, and vision. It showed the world what this country can achieve when it is united. It placed Africa at the heart of global discussions and demonstrated that the Global South is ready to shape a future defined by dignity, equality, and shared progress.

South Africans can take pride in hosting a summit that succeeded in practical terms and advanced a more just and humane world order. The achievements of the summit stand as a testament to what is possible when South Africa believes in itself and works as one.

* Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development, and security.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.