WELCOME REMARKS BY THE MINISTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR RONALD O. LAMOLA

ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIRST G20 SHERPAS MEETING

Investec, Sandton, GAUTENG

9 December 2025

G20 Sherpas and Sous Sherpas

Sherpas and Sou-Sherpas of Invited Guest Countries

Heads of Invited International Organisations

Group Chief Executive of Investec, Mr Fani Titi

Distinguished guests,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Morning

On behalf of the South African Government and her people, allow me to warmly welcome all to our beautiful country. It is a privilege for us to host you in the vibrant economic heartbeat of our nation, Johannesburg, nestled in the dynamic Gauteng province.

I trust you have had safe travels and are now well-rested, ready to immerse yourselves in the rich tapestry of activities planned for this G20 Sherpas meeting.

It is quite fitting that the first G20 meeting on African soil takes place within the prestigious facilities of an international banking and wealth management group, Investec, founded right here in Johannesburg in 1974.

As President of the G20, I believe that collaborative efforts such as these, between our public and private sectors, will undoubtedly ensure the success of our Presidency.

In this spirit, let me take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Leadership of Investec for graciously hosting us as their esteemed guests for the next few days and for providing their excellent facilities for our use.

Welcome to South Africa, where the spirit of Ubuntu and the promise of progress await you.

As you explore Johannesburg, you will experience the vibrant energy of our city, from the bustling markets and the historic significance of Soweto, where the echoes of our struggle for freedom still resonate.

Indulge in our rich culinary heritage, savouring dishes like bobotie, biltong, and bunny chow, which reflect the diverse cultures that make up our rainbow nation.

Feel the rhythm of our land through the beats of traditional music and dance, from the soulful sounds of jazz to the lively steps of the gumboot dance.

While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of Johannesburg’s iconic landmarks:

Apartheid Museum: A poignant reminder of our past and a testament to our journey towards equality and freedom.

Constitution Hill: A former prison complex that now houses the Constitutional Court, symbolising justice and human rights.

Nelson Mandela Square: A bustling plaza featuring a towering statue of Madiba celebrating his legacy.

Gold Reef City: A theme park and museum offering a glimpse into Johannesburg’s gold mining history.

Cradle of Humankind: A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to some of the oldest hominid fossils ever discovered.

Johannesburg’s history is deeply intertwined with the discovery of gold in 1886, which transformed it from a small settlement into a bustling metropolis. The city was initially part of the Transvaal, an independent Afrikaner republic, and quickly grew into the financial heart of South Africa. The discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand led to an influx of fortune seekers from around the world, laying the foundation for Johannesburg’s diverse and dynamic character.

The city’s landscape is a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty:

Urban Skyline: Johannesburg is characterised by a striking skyline filled with modern skyscrapers, such as the iconic Carlton Centre and the Leonardo, the tallest building in Africa. These structures symbolise Johannesburg’s status as the economic powerhouse of South Africa.

Ridges and Hills: Situated on the Highveld plateau, Johannesburg has a unique topography of rolling hills and ridges, including the prominent Witwatersrand, known for its gold deposits.

Parks and Green Spaces: Despite its urban nature, Johannesburg is home to numerous parks and green spaces. The Johannesburg Botanical Garden and Emmarentia Dam offer serene environments for relaxation and recreation.

The city also has several nature reserves, such as the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, which provide a glimpse of the region’s natural flora and fauna.

Gold Mining Legacy: The landscape is dotted with remnants of its gold mining past, including old mine dumps and shafts. These historical sites are a testament to the city’s origins and its rapid growth during the gold rush era.

Diverse Neighbourhoods: Johannesburg’s residential landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from affluent suburbs like Sandton and Houghton to vibrant townships like Soweto and Alexandra.

Each area has its unique character and charm, serving as a stark reminder of our complicated history of apartheid. The legacy of apartheid is evident in the persistent inequalities that still affect many communities today.

However, we are steadfast in our commitment to addressing these disparities and working towards a more equitable society.

Through various initiatives and policies, we are determined to undo the negative impacts of apartheid and foster inclusivity, economic empowerment, and social justice for all South Africans.

Subtropical Highland Climate: The city enjoys a subtropical highland climate, with warm summers and mild winters. This climate supports a variety of vegetation, from lush gardens in the suburbs to the indigenous Highveld grasslands.

May your stay here be filled with meaningful connections, fruitful discussions, and unforgettable experiences. Welcome to South Africa, a land of warmth, diversity, and endless possibilities

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,

South Africa assumed its G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, following our Brazilian friends’ astute and successful leadership. On that note, please allow me to congratulate our Brazilian colleagues, once again, on a job well done.

South Africa’s Presidency will be held under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, which seeks to harness global will and capabilities to confront the enormous challenges the world is facing.

In the spirit of Ubuntu, our shared humanity, we will address these challenges through our high-level deliverables and priorities, which lie at the core of the original G20 mandate of promoting strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth and building partnerships across all sectors of society to find collective solutions.

South Africa will use its G20 Presidency to secure urgent progress on shared goals through several priority actions.

These include:

Strengthening disaster resilience and response

Ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries

Mobilising finance for a just energy transition

Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and development.

As part of its efforts to bring the Sherpa and the Finance tracks closer together, three temporary Task Forces, an Initiative and a Commission will be established during South Africa’s G20 Presidency:

Priority 1 – Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reduced Inequality.

Priority 2 – Food Security.

Priority 3 – Artificial Intelligence, Data Governance and Innovation for Sustainable Development.

A review of the work of the G20, “The G20 at 20 years”: A Reflection on Key Achievements and the Way Forward, will also feature as one of South Africa’s deliverables, through a Sherpa Track Initiative. South Africa also proposes the establishment of a Cost of Capital Commission during its G20 Presidency.

The three Task Forces, the Initiative and Commission will be established with the objective of delivering tangible results at the South Africa G20 Presidency. All of the priorities, as well as the overall theme, will influence Working Groups’ priorities and work plans.

The South African government also recognises the significant strides made by the Brazilian G20 Presidency in enhancing the G20 as a site of democratic global engagement. The South African presidency will continue this trajectory.  A comprehensive dialogue with civil society and other state and non-state institutions will be conducted through the existing Engagement Groups.

Following the Brazilian Presidency’s approach, a G20 Social Forum will be convened to precede the Leaders’ Summit in November 2025. The aim is to bring together representatives of the existing engagement groups and other segments of civil society that may offer meaningful contributions to the G20.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,

As we build on the past and set the tone for the future, we must emphasise the adherence to universal values, shared norms and the fortification of strong multilateral institutions. Now, more than ever, these institutions must be revitalised and reformed to foster broad global consensus and serve as vital platforms for resolving disputes.

The strength of our multilateral institutions is paramount in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world. They must evolve to meet the challenges of our time, ensuring that they are inclusive, representative, and capable of addressing the complex issues we face. From climate change to economic inequality, global health crises, and geopolitical tensions, these institutions must be the bedrock upon which we build a more just and equitable world.

We must champion the principles of cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect, recognising that our collective future hinges on our ability to work together. By reinforcing and reforming our multilateral institutions, we can create a framework that resolves conflicts and promotes sustainable development, human rights, and peace.

Let us seize this moment to reaffirm our commitment to these ideals, to strengthen the bonds that unite us, and to ensure that our multilateral institutions are equipped to deliver the broad global consensus needed to navigate the complexities of the 21st century. Together, we can build a brighter, fairer, and more prosperous future for all.

While international cooperation and multilateralism are currently confronted with divisive geopolitics and unprecedented challenges such as climate change, slow economic growth, and deepening poverty, the G20 must make strides in forging practical, mutually beneficial cooperation that champions an international order that is fairer, just, inclusive, and representative.

As the premier forum for international economic cooperation, South Africa seeks to amplify the G20’s continued value as a forum of the world’s largest developing and developed economies, a forum that provides leadership and momentum towards greater global economic growth and sustainable development.

A forum whose work complements and fosters the broader processes of the various multilateral spheres. We must remain committed to multilateralism and upholding international law and ensure that the UN remains the centrepiece of this multilateralism.

Its central role in the international system ensures that sovereign states cooperate to maintain international peace and security, advance sustainable development, and promote and protect democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms for all.

Whereas G20 leaders set the agenda for our partnership, we rely on the immense efforts of our Sherpas to translate these commitments into practical cooperation. I am confident that the next few days will do just that.

The First Sherpa meeting of the G20 is traditionally important, as it sets the stage for the upcoming Presidency and important conversations on some of the most vital issues of our time.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,

Thank you all for your determination and continued efforts as the engine force of this forum. I would also like to thank the G20 Secretariat for their tireless effort in organising this meeting. I sincerely hope you all will enjoy today and the next two days.

I trust that this meeting will set the trend for our subsequent meetings and that, as much as we celebrate the G20’s landmark achievements, we will also begin to look ahead during the year toward the strategic imperatives for the next cycle of G20 cooperation.

I Thank You for your attention.