President Cyril Ramaphosa Praises South Africans’ Unity in G20 Success
South Africans tuned in on Sunday evening as President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a heartfelt address from the Union Buildings in Pretoria, celebrating the country’s successful G20 presidency and the Johannesburg Leaders’ Summit. He hailed the nation’s warmth and spirit, thanking everyone from security teams to ordinary citizens for making the event a hit. The speech also tackled recent US criticisms, dismissing them as misinformation, and urged a national dialogue to solve home-grown challenges like poverty and gender-based violence.
Broadcast live at 19h00 on 30 November 2025, the address wrapped up a year of over 130 G20 meetings across SA, marking the first time Africa hosted the summit. Ramaphosa’s words aimed to boost pride and unity, but they drew mixed reactions, with some praising the focus on progress and others calling for deeper reforms. As the country hands the G20 baton to the US, his message reminds us of SA’s global role and the work still needed at home. Here’s a closer look at the key points, reactions, and what it means for the future.
A People’s G20: Thanks for Hospitality and Hard Work
Ramaphosa opened by expressing deep thanks to South Africans for turning the G20 into a success. “Allow me to express my profound gratitude to you all, as my fellow compatriots, for ensuring and enabling our beloved country to host a series of successful G20 meetings throughout the year, ending with the G20 Leaders’ Summit,” he said. He highlighted how visitors felt the nation’s warmth, sharing quotes from delegates who praised SA’s hospitality.
One German delegate reportedly said, “I’ve attended summits on six continents. I’ve never experienced warmth like this.” A French official noted, “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.” India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked “the wonderful people of South Africa,” while IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva lauded the “incredible hospitality.” Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz commended the “ambitious presidency in these turbulent times.”
The president credited this spirit for making the summit memorable, from road closures to clean streets. “These cities showed what can be done when a concerted and coordinated effort is made to fix potholes and street lights, to clean up our streets and maintain our infrastructure. This must continue past the G20 and must be expanded to areas of our towns and cities that have been neglected,” he urged.
He also thanked the deputy president, ministers, officials, and G20 sherpas for guiding talks, and communities for welcoming guests in places like Gqeberha, George, and Polokwane.
G20 Achievements: Putting Africa First
Ramaphosa detailed how SA used the presidency to spotlight Africa’s needs, leading to agreements on debt relief, climate funding, and benefits from minerals. “We found agreement on some of the issues that hold back the growth and development of our country and continent,” he said. Key wins include cheaper debt for poor nations, more African voices at the IMF, green energy pushes like Mission 300, youth jobs via the Nelson Mandela Bay initiative, and tech boosts like the AI for Africa plan.
The Johannesburg Declaration, centred on solidarity, equality, and sustainability, drew on Ubuntu to push inclusive growth. Leaders backed UN Security Council reforms for better representation and welcomed the African Union as a full G20 member. Ramaphosa said these steps will help SA grow its economy and create jobs, tying global deals to local wins.
Tackling US Criticisms: Misinformation and Friendship
A key part addressed the US boycott, led by President Donald Trump, who cited false claims of genocide against Afrikaners and land grabs. Ramaphosa called these “blatant misinformation” spread by groups harming SA’s interests. “We must make it clear that South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20 and South Africa is therefore a member of the G20 in its own name and right. We will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20,” he stated.
He reaffirmed SA’s friendship with Americans, recalling their anti-apartheid support and how their Bill of Rights inspired SA’s Constitution. “Despite the challenges and misunderstandings that have arisen, South Africa remains a firm and unwavering friend of the American people,” Ramaphosa said. He blamed “groups and individuals within our country, in the US and elsewhere” for the disinformation, urging them to join a national dialogue instead.
Home Front: Economic Green Shoots and Social Challenges
Ramaphosa noted signs of recovery, like falling unemployment, better finances, and a credit rating upgrade. He quoted business leader Adi Enthoven: “after a decade of decline, South Africa has turned the corner.” But he owned up to ongoing struggles like poverty, joblessness, and high costs worsened by poor services.
To bridge divides, he called for a National Dialogue open to all races and creeds. “We have now embarked upon a National Dialogue, where all South Africans – from all walks of life, of all races and creeds – are invited to forge a new future for our country,” he explained. This aims to solve issues through talk, not division.
On gender-based violence, he highlighted its new status as a national disaster. “Just over a week ago, we classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster. This classification should provide us with a broader range of measures to intensify our shared effort to end this pandemic,” Ramaphosa said.
Reactions: Pride, Criticism, and Calls for Reform
The address drew praise for its unity call, with many welcoming the focus on SA’s G20 warmth. Social media buzzed with shares of delegate quotes, boosting national pride. The ANC hailed it as a nod to collective strength.
But not all agreed. Think tank Lex Libertas slammed it as dodging real issues like violence and discrimination. Executive director Dr Ernst Roets said, “The President dismissed concerns by minority communities and the United States as “baseless allegations”… Yet this stands in stark contrast to domestic reality.” They called for constitutional changes towards decentralisation, arguing the speech shows why SA needs reforms to empower communities.
Others questioned the dialogue’s inclusivity, fearing it excludes critical voices. The address also faced light-hearted jabs online, with some linking it to recent sports wins for unity vibes.
Broader Impact: From G20 to National Renewal
Ramaphosa’s speech ties global wins to home fixes, urging more investment and innovation. With US handover done diplomatically, SA aims to keep strong ties despite Trump’s stance. The call for dialogue echoes past efforts like the Codesa talks, showing faith in talk to heal divides.
For everyday South Africans, it boosts morale amid tough times, reminding us of our strength together. As the year ends, his words inspire hope for a united push against poverty and violence. “And as our sports men and women have taught us, we are Stronger Together. Always,” he concluded, leaving a message of resilience for all.
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