DA Leader Steenhuisen Hails G20 Declaration Adoption as Key Win for Global Cooperation and South African Reforms
In a show of cross-party support amid South Africa’s historic hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen has welcomed the consensus adoption of the Leaders’ Declaration on 22 November 2025. The document, agreed upon despite the notable absence of the United States, focuses on easing debt for developing nations, boosting climate resilience, and promoting sustainable energy shifts. Steenhuisen’s praise highlights the declaration’s potential to drive job growth and economic reforms at home, while Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the unanimous adoption during the Johannesburg event. This milestone underscores multilateralism’s strength, even as geopolitical tensions loom, and positions Africa firmly on the global stage for fairer development.
The summit, held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Gauteng from 22 to 23 November 2025, brought together leaders from major economies to tackle pressing issues under the theme of solidarity, equality, and sustainability. The declaration’s early adoption set a positive tone, signalling hope for concrete actions on shared challenges like poverty, inequality, and environmental threats.
Steenhuisen’s Endorsement: A Boost for GNU and National Priorities
As the Minister of Agriculture in the Government of National Unity, John Steenhuisen expressed strong backing for the declaration in a statement released shortly after its adoption. He congratulated the South African government on securing the agreement, calling it a “significant and positive outcome.”
“The Democratic Alliance congratulates all of the South African government on securing agreement on the Leaders’ Declaration today at the G20 Leaders Summit. This declaration represents a significant and positive outcome. It reinforces core principles essential to global stability, security and development, including respect for international law and human rights, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation,” Steenhuisen said.
He pointed out key elements that align with South Africa’s needs, such as easing debt burdens on developing countries, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting a just transition to sustainable energy systems. These steps, he noted, have “positive implications for jobs and growth.” Steenhuisen also welcomed the inclusion of “Ubuntu approaches” on food security and nutrition, developed under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which promote sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. This could expand access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food for vulnerable South Africans.
Steenhuisen tied the declaration to domestic reforms, stating, “These priorities are vital for South Africa as government seeks to implement the urgent reforms required to turbocharge our economy.” He described the summit as an honour and a testament to the Government of National Unity’s value, adding, “As a partner in the GNU, the DA will work to ensure that the G20 commitments translate into tangible progress at home.”
His comments reflect a unified front within the GNU, where the DA plays a key role in pushing for economic changes. This endorsement comes amid broader political support for the summit’s outcomes, which could help South Africa attract investments and tackle issues like high unemployment and energy challenges.
Magwenya’s Confirmation: Consensus Achieved Despite Programme Tweaks
Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya provided details on the adoption process during a media briefing on the summit’s sidelines. He confirmed that the leaders reached a consensus, leading to the declaration’s unanimous approval. “[The declaration] has been adopted by the leaders here at the summit. We were edging closer and closer to that unanimous adoption and now we have a summit declaration adopted,” Magwenya said.
He explained a slight shift in the schedule, noting that adoptions usually happen at the end but were moved forward due to positive signals from bilateral talks. “There was a slight change in the programme. Normally the adoption happens right at the end but throughout the day yesterday, during various bilateral talks, there was a sense that we should actually move to have the summit declaration adopted first as a first order of the day and then proceed with the rest of the day,” he added.
Magwenya highlighted elements addressing global conflicts, affirming the UN Charter’s role in peaceful resolutions and avoiding force. The declaration spotlights four major crises: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine, calling for dialogue and respect for international law.
On the US absence, Magwenya addressed the handover of the G20 presidency gavel, refusing to pass it to a junior US official. “We have communicated that officially [and] we have communicated that publicly. It has never been done before and it’s not going to happen and start now with South Africa. The President will not handover to a junior embassy official. It’s a breach of protocol that is not going to be accommodated or allowed in this instance,” he stated. He affirmed South Africa’s commitment to respectful engagement but stressed the need to honour other participating nations.
Declaration Details: A 122-Point Roadmap for Global Challenges
The Johannesburg Declaration, a comprehensive 122-point document, was adopted at the summit’s start, defying expectations amid the US boycott. It urges more action on issues hitting poor countries hard, like climate disasters and debt burdens. Key commitments include easing debt for developing nations, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting just energy transitions with job implications.
It reinforces respect for international law, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution, while renewing multilateral cooperation. The declaration welcomes South Africa’s “Ubuntu approaches” to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture, aiming to expand access for vulnerable groups. It also addresses geopolitical tensions, calling for adherence to the UN Charter and highlighting crises in DRC, Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine.
On economic fronts, it promotes inclusive growth, industrialisation, employment, and harnessing critical minerals for sustainable development. Reforms to international financial architecture are pushed, ensuring institutions are inclusive and equipped for future challenges. The Sevilla Commitment from June 2025 is endorsed, catalysing development investments in the Global South.
The declaration defies climate scepticism by stressing the crisis’s seriousness and accelerating clean energy shifts. It builds on South Africa’s priorities, like disaster resilience and finance for energy transitions, providing a basis for concrete actions.
US Boycott and Geopolitical Context: A Test for Multilateralism
The US decision to skip the summit, led by President Donald Trump over claims of “racist” policies against white farmers, created hurdles. Yet, the consensus adoption shows the G20’s resilience. Trump called the summit a “waste of time,” but leaders like India’s Narendra Modi, China’s Premier Li Qiang, and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva proceeded, adopting the statement as a rebuke to isolationism.
South Africa rejected the claims, with Ramaphosa’s team emphasising protocol in the gavel handover. The declaration’s success without US input highlights multilateralism’s strength, sending a message of unity amid divides over Ukraine and Gaza.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes TonyYengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info: info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube