Gauteng Premier Lesufi Declares Province Fully Ready for G20 Leaders’ Summit with Lasting Service Delivery Gains
Johannesburg, Gauteng – With just weeks to go before the G20 Leaders’ Summit kicks off in Johannesburg, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has boldly stated that the province is set to host the global event without a hitch. Speaking at a media briefing on 4 November 2025, Lesufi stressed that the hard work by the provincial government and municipalities will not only shine during the summit but will jump-start faster service delivery for residents long after the world leaders leave. The two-day gathering, set for 22 to 23 November 2025 at the Nasrec Expo Centre, will draw at least 20 heads of state and thousands of delegates under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”. This marks South Africa’s historic role as the first African nation to chair the G20, focusing on issues like economic growth, debt relief for emerging markets, geopolitical tensions, and climate change.
Lesufi brushed aside worries about short-term fixes, saying the upgrades are built to last. “The service delivery improvements implemented, from repaired roads and functional streetlights to enhanced public spaces and advanced security technology, are not for the summit alone. They are permanent enhancements designed for the enduring benefit of all who live in, work in, and visit our beautiful province,” he said. These steps come after months of intense planning, including dry runs to spot and fix any gaps, and a reprioritised budget to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Permanent Infrastructure Upgrades for Everyday Benefits
The premier made it clear that the changes across Gauteng go beyond the event. Key routes and corridors have seen major fixes, with potholes patched, burst pipes mended, and traffic lights back in action. In the Johannesburg CBD, cleaning drives have cleared illegal dumps, cut grass, removed litter, and added new street furniture and bins. Areas like the Cradle of Humankind now boast better facilities to draw more tourists year-round.
Lesufi pointed out that streetlight rehabilitation is nearly done, boosting safety and looks in major spots. Recycling stations at all G20 venues are up and running, showing the province’s push for green practices. “New street furniture and bins have been installed in key areas, including the Cradle of Humankind. We have rehabilitated streetlights in almost all major routes,” he added. These moves aim to speed up service delivery, with weekly Tuesday meetings set to carry on even after the summit. “We’ve resolved that even beyond the summit, the Tuesday meetings that we hold every week to prepare will continue even beyond the G20 so that we can convert them to service delivery meetings – not only so we can beautify our province, but also so municipalities can expedite service delivery,” Lesufi explained.
A solid energy plan ensures no power cuts, with primary wiring complete for main avenues and corridors. Backup includes solar high-mast lights, protected cables, and emergency generators at spots like OR Tambo International Airport, the ICC, and top hotels. “A comprehensive and resilient energy plan is now in place to secure uninterrupted power supply for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit but also for the overall energy supply to residents and businesses in our province,” the premier noted. Johannesburg Water has also promised steady supplies, backed by Rand Water, with tankers on standby and round-the-clock teams along key paths.
Robust Security Measures to Keep Everyone Safe
Security tops the list, with Lesufi sending a stern message to would-be troublemakers. “We want to say to the chance takers and those who are planning to disrupt us to dare us, because we are ready for them,” he warned. The province has poured funds into top-notch tech to guard leaders and guests around the clock. All law enforcement, including the South African Police Service, is in sync with robust plans.
A multi-level escort system involves SAPS, National Traffic Police, Gauteng Provincial Traffic, and metro police for safe delegate movement. Ports of entry are on high alert with faster security checks and logistics for easy arrivals and departures. “Gauteng is well equipped to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants and our residents. The South African Police Service [Saps], in full co-ordination with all other law-enforcement agencies, has robust plans in place that we have all adopted and accepted,” Lesufi said.
The Gauteng Disaster Management Centre is fully active, linked to a command hub that blends emergency services, police, and key providers for quick responses. “A comprehensive multiagency command centre has been established – integrating all emergency services, law enforcement and essential service providers to facilitate real-time co-ordination and rapid response,” he detailed. This setup handles everything from health scares to security threats or transport snags. Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana backed this up, citing recent wins like nabbing a suspect in the Reiger Park mass shooting. “We are not in slumberland, and we are not folding our arms as law enforcement agencies. We continue to push and work hard in apprehending suspects,” Kekana said.
Economic Boost and Tourism Push for Gauteng
The summit is more than talks – it’s a chance to pump up the economy. Lesufi said it will bring R billions in gains through more investment, jobs, and a lift for tourism and hospitality. “The summit is expected to yield significant benefits for Gauteng, including increased investment, job creation, and a major boost to our tourism and hospitality sectors,” he stated. With visitors flooding in, including media and delegates, hotels are nearly booked solid, sparking demand for transport, shops, and eateries.
To make it count for locals, the province has reached out to civil society, businesses, youth, and people with disabilities via campaigns in townships. This ensures diverse voices join the global chat. Branding and ads now dot the city, spotlighting Gauteng’s spots. “We have actively engaged with civil society, business, youth, and people with disabilities through extensive outreach programmes. This includes G20 awareness campaigns in townships and ensuring diverse South African voices contribute to the global dialogue,” Lesufi explained.
The event ties into the “Growing Gauteng Together 2030” plan, pitching the province as a prime spot for investors. Tourism gets a special nod with the “Visit GAUTENG – Zwakala” drive, featuring tailored trips on the G20 site. “With thousands of star-graded accommodation options to fit every budget, including many prestigious international hotel brands, Gauteng ensures comfort and quality for all visitors. As part of Visit GAUTENG – Zwakala, we have curated special tourism promotion itineraries that have been loaded on the G20 official site,” the premier said. He invited guests to explore beyond the talks, boosting business tourism and putting townships in the spotlight.
Addressing Presidential Concerns and Building a Better Future
Back in March 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa flagged worries about crumbling infrastructure during a Johannesburg visit – from water woes and power outs to waste piles and sewer spills. Lesufi proudly reported these are now sorted. “[President Ramaphosa] voiced deep concerns over the province’s deteriorating infrastructure, citing persistent issues like water shortages, potholes, burst pipes, non-functional traffic lights, power cuts, uncollected waste, and sewer spills, which he deemed unacceptable ahead of the global event. Today, we are proud to report back to the President that we have resolved all these matters,” he asserted.
The premier hailed the teamwork involving MECs, mayors, agency CEOs, the taxi industry, and labour groups. Weekly targets, checks, and site visits have driven progress. “A dedicated team, including the MECs, Mayors, MMCS and CEOs of our agencies, representatives of the taxi industry and labour, have met weekly to set targets and conducted weekly progress tracking and on-site inspections. This multi-level government approach has been the cornerstone of our success, ensuring that every municipality is aligned and actively contributing to our shared goal,” Lesufi said.
He added that this unity between province and municipalities has turned plans into real action. “The spirit of cooperation between the province and our municipalities has been exceptional, and this partnership has moved beyond planning into decisive action, delivering tangible improvements across the province. We intend to keep this mode of collaboration and adopt it as a blueprint we will use indefinitely to build a better province for everyone,” he noted.
The summit must feel real for everyday people, Lesufi stressed. “The summit and its build-up must be meaningful and accessible to ordinary citizens.” As Gauteng hands the reins to national government, he wrapped up with pride: “As we prepare to hand over this province to national government, we do so with immense pride and confidence that Gauteng is ready. We have worked as one, we have delivered on our commitments and we are prepared to offer the world a warm and exceptionally unique experience about our province. Gauteng is ready, zwakala.”
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