Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has confirmed that South Africa's airports and air navigation systems are fully equipped to receive global leaders for the G20 Leaders' Summit this November.
Addressing the media, Creecy said the country’s ports of entry are ready for the historic event, the first G20 Summit to be held on African soil.
She also confirmed that all critical aviation security, safety, and operational requirements have been met to ensure seamless arrivals and departures.
“On the 25th of October this year, we had our first dry run, which demonstrated the readiness of all the ports of entry and set a benchmark for operational excellence,” Creecy said.
She added that command and venue operating centres at OR Tambo International Airport, Fireblade Terminal, Lanseria International Airport, and Waterkloof Air Force Base are now fully functional, operating daily from early morning and maintaining flexibility for additional briefings when required.
“The command centre and the venue operating centres at OR Tambo International Airport, Fireblade Terminal, Lanseria International Airport and Waterkloof Air Force Base are now fully operational. These centres maintain uninterrupted operations, conducting briefings at 7:00 am in the morning and 13 hours a day with the flexibility to convene if additional meetings are needed.”
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that 42 countries will take part in the summit, including 20 G20 member states, 16 invited nations, and six regional economic communities across Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia.
Alongside the high-level engagements, a three-day Social Summit will take place from 18 to 20 November 2025 in Ekurhuleni, bringing together civil society, youth, women’s groups, and other grassroots voices to contribute to the broader G20 agenda.
Meanwhile, Johannesburg has seen heightened operational activity in recent weeks as part of national preparations. This included the G20 NATJOINTS State of Readiness Law Enforcement Parade, showcasing command coordination and deployment capacity across the country’s security cluster.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi inspected the parade. Kubayi commended security personnel for maintaining incident-free operations throughout South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
“On behalf of the JCPS Cluster Ministers, I want to thank all members and law enforcement agencies for helping us host more than 120 incident-free events this year,” Kubayi said. “As we host the first G20 Summit on African soil, the continent depends on us to showcase our capability. We know you will do us proud.”
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star