Johannesburg has been selected to host the G20 Leaders Summit next year, beating out Cape Town and eThekwini for the prestigious event. The decision, confirmed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, was influenced by Johannesburg’s superior airport capacity and hotel accommodations.
Scheduled for November 2025, the summit will welcome leaders from the world’s largest economies, accounting for about 85% of global GDP. An inter-ministerial committee conducted a thorough comparison of the three cities, evaluating factors like security and transport infrastructure.
Cape Town’s mayor expressed disappointment over the decision but pledged to ensure successful ministerial meetings in the city. The budget for the summit is set at R194-million, pending approval from the National Treasury, while the total cost for all meetings during South Africa’s presidency is estimated at R497-million.
Officials emphasized that meetings will be held across all nine provinces, ensuring nationwide participation. The G20 Summit presents a significant opportunity for South Africa to showcase its capabilities on a global stage, positioning the nation prominently in international economic discussions.