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EZEKIEL PHALANA
The Gauteng Provincial Government today held a media briefing led by Premier Panyaza Lesufi to reflect on the successful hosting of the 2025 G20 Johannesburg Summit, the first ever held on African soil.
Speaking at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Premier Lesufi described the summit as “a defining moment for our province, our country, and our continent.” He confirmed that Gauteng has reaped both significant short-term economic gains and long-term strategic benefits from hosting world leaders, global investors and international media.
Strong Economic Impact
Preliminary estimates show that Gauteng generated between R1 billion and R3 billion from hospitality, tourism, transport, retail, aviation and related industries during the summit week. Hotels recorded near-full occupancy, international flights into Johannesburg were fully booked, and major tourism hubs and malls experienced record foot traffic.
Premier Lesufi noted that the summit had “put Gauteng firmly on the map as the business gateway into Africa.” He further announced that a full, detailed economic impact report will be released in early 2026.
Security Operations Deliver Firm Results
The Premier acknowledged the intensified safety measures implemented during the summit period. Over 1,700 arrests were made between 17-20 November, including cases of vandalism, theft, intimidation, illegal firearms and summit-related disruptions.
“These actions were not just about securing the summit,” Lesufi stated. “They were about protecting the people of Gauteng. We will build on these operations and bring stronger peace-keeping capacity to our communities.”
He emphasised plans to strengthen dedicated policing partnerships and advanced crime-fighting interventions across the province.
Sustaining Service Delivery Gains
Premier Lesufi highlighted that the improvements to road networks, public lighting, city cleaning, and municipal coordination — accelerated for the G20 — will not end with the summit.
He announced that the successful G20 planning model of weekly interdepartmental coordination and rapid response delivery will be institutionalised into permanent governance practice.
“We cannot only clean up and fix Gauteng when we have visitors. Our people deserve that every day,” he affirmed.
A New Era for Global Events in Gauteng
The Premier pointed to the G20’s success as a springboard for attracting more international events. Gauteng will host the LIV International Golf Tournament in 2026 and major matches for the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup.
“Our message to the world is clear: Gauteng is ready. We are proud, prepared and determined to welcome the globe again and again,” Lesufi concluded.