Jobs first! – Ramaphosa hails G20 deals for South Africa

Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has thanked South Africans for what he described as a “historic” and successful G20 Presidency, marking the first time the global summit has been hosted on African soil.

In his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said the government had placed “Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda,” emphasising that the platform was critical for boosting South Africa’s growth, jobs and international influence.

“This is the first time that the G20 has been hosted on African soil,” he wrote. “Recognising the importance of this milestone, we have placed Africa’s growth and development at the heart of the G20’s agenda.”

Ramaphosa said South Africa’s leadership of the G20 came at a time when global cooperation was under strain. “While some have sought to create division and polarisation between nations, we have reinforced our shared humanity,” he said. “We have fostered collaboration and goodwill. Above all, we have affirmed that our shared goals outweigh our differences.”

Key Agreements Secured

The president highlighted several outcomes he said would benefit South Africans directly.

He confirmed that world leaders had agreed on the need to tackle heavy debt burdens that limit the ability of developing countries – including South Africa – to spend on infrastructure, health and education. “We placed this issue firmly on the agenda to increase investment on the continent and seize the unique opportunity that Africa presents,” he said.

Ramaphosa also said the G20 had endorsed increased global investment in climate action, which he described as “crucial for South Africa” as it moves toward a just energy transition.

The success of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, together with the improving performance of our economy and growing confidence in our reform programme, shows that South Africa is a country on the rise.

🔗 https://t.co/LFGW1e2p8l #G20SouthAfrica 🇿🇦#BetterAfricaBetterWorld 🌍 pic.twitter.com/7G4wTAzYIR

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) November 24, 2025

“We undertake a just energy transition to a low carbon economy in a manner that protects workers, businesses and communities,” he said.

He added that South Africa had pushed for expanded global support for disaster prevention and reconstruction as climate-related disasters intensify. “A few areas in our country, particularly the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, frequently experience disasters,” he said.

On minerals, the president announced that the G20 had endorsed “a new approach to critical minerals” aimed at ensuring that resource-rich countries benefit more from their endowments. “This supports our own ambition to use our extensive endowment of minerals to become a leading global player,” he said, adding that beneficiation must take place in the country to create jobs.

A “People’s G20”

Ramaphosa said the presidency had prioritised broad engagement, calling it “the People’s G20.” He noted that business, labour, youth, civil society, researchers, women’s groups, start-ups, parliaments and mayors all participated in various engagements throughout the year.

“We can be proud of what South Africa has achieved in hosting a successful G20 Presidency and guiding countries towards agreement on complex and important issues,” he said. “This has been the historic effort to which all South Africans have contributed.”

The president extended gratitude to citizens, security services, government officials and provincial and local leaders. “Above all, we thank each and every South African for contributing to this success,” he said, adding that visiting leaders had witnessed “the strength of our values” and “the generosity of our people.”

“South Africa Is on the Rise”

Ramaphosa concluded his message on an optimistic note, linking the G20’s success with recent improvements in the economy.

“The success of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, together with the improving performance of our economy and growing confidence in our reform programme, shows that South Africa is a country on the rise,” he said.