President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) a national disaster and criticised the United States for boycotting the G20 Summit on the basis of “baseless and false allegations”. Delivering a wide-ranging national address on Sunday night, he defended South Africa’s handling of the G20 Presidency and warned that misinformation from local and international groups was undermining the country’s standing.
He said he wished to speak about “the way South Africa led and managed the G20 process”, expressing “profound gratitude” to citizens for supporting the country’s role throughout the year-long presidency.
He reminded the public that when South Africa launched its G20 Presidency last year, he pledged that it “must be the People’s G20” and “cannot belong just to the leaders, but to the millions of people who have a stake in the discussions and decisions of the G20.”
This year marked the first time a G20 Summit had been held on African soil. Ramaphosa said South Africa was “humbled to have been that one country on the African continent to host the summit and represent the 1.4 billion people who live on our continent.”
Warmth and hospitality praised
Delegates from across the world reportedly commented on the reception they received in South Africa, Ramaphosa said in his speech.
Delegates from Japan and France also praised the country, with one Japanese representative saying: “Your security guards smile while being vigilant. Your drivers share stories while navigating… Everyone – from the protocol officers to the coffee vendors – treats us like welcomed family, not foreign dignitaries.”
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A French delegate remarked: “We came to discuss economic frameworks. But what we’ll remember is how your people made us feel. That’s not soft power – that’s real power.”
World leaders also shared similar sentiments online. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Thanks to the wonderful people of South Africa and the government of South Africa for organising the summit.” IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva praised the country’s “incredible hospitality”. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked South Africa for its “ambitious presidency in these turbulent times.”
Focus on Africa and Inequality
Ramaphosa said Africa’s growth and development was placed “at the heart of the G20’s agenda”, particularly as global conflicts, climate change and economic instability continue to affect vulnerable nations.
He noted progress at home, saying unemployment had fallen and public finances were improving. Quoting businessman Adi Enthoven, he said that “after a decade of decline, South Africa has turned the corner.”
GBVF were recently classified as a “national disaster”, which he said would strengthen efforts to tackle the crisis.
The G20 Leaders’ Declaration, he said, demonstrated that “the spirit of multilateral cooperation is alive and strong.” He highlighted agreements on debt relief mechanisms, increased climate funding, and beneficiation of critical minerals. He emphasised that these commitments were “just the beginning”.
South Africa also commissioned the work of the G20 Extraordinary Committee on Global Inequality, which produced the first G20 report on the subject. Countries agreed to explore establishing an International Panel on Inequality, similar to the IPCC.
Tension With the United States
The President addressed the United States’ absence from the Leaders’ Summit, calling it “regrettable” and criticising the “baseless and false allegations” cited by the US for its non-participation, including claims of “genocide against Afrikaners” and land confiscation.
He said these were “blatant misinformation” and warned that those spreading such claims were “endangering and undermining South Africa’s national interests.”
Ramaphosa insisted that South Africa would remain “a full, active and constructive member of the G20”, adding that the country offers the US “nothing but goodwill and friendship.”
