The City of Johannesburg has emerged from the G20 Leaders’ Summit with a renewed sense of pride, purpose and possibility. What unfolded over the summit period was more than a global gathering – it was a gentle, confident reminder of what the city can achieve when it works with unity and determination.
Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero said the road to this moment began long before the world arrived. “It took commitment and sacrifice from our departments and entities. As early as November 2024, we committed to reclaiming Johannesburg, and the G20 presented the perfect opportunity to push even harder. That’s exactly what we did. We allowed our officials, entities and workforce to go all out and demonstrate that what we committed to in November wasn’t just talk – it’s happening, and it will continue beyond the G20.”
The Mayor reflected on the deliberate journey that has shaped the city’s transformation. He noted that he was elected in August 2023, convened a Lekgotla by November, and delivered the State of the City Address and budget by May 2024.
“All these commitments require proper planning and resources. By 2 October 2024, we went full force onto the streets through the High-Impact Service Delivery Programme, led by me as the Executive Mayor. We’re continuing this work beyond the G20. Throughout November and December 2025, we will remain on the ground because we want to sustain these efforts and regain community trust.”
For residents, the G20 offered a moment to pause, look around and feel proud.
“We are moving forward – continuing our service delivery programmes and working every day to build trust. The G20 showed what Johannesburg can do. Now we want to build on that, for our residents and for our future,” the Mayor reiterated.
As global leaders arrived, Johannesburg welcomed them with calm confidence. The city’s preparations paid off: traffic signals operated smoothly, resurfacing had been completed, and visible service delivery set a positive tone for international guests moving through Gauteng.
The success of the summit not only demonstrated Johannesburg’s ability to host major global events but also boosted the city’s tourism and economic sectors.
Joburg Tourism Company Board Chairperson Nandipha Zonela said visitors filled hotels, cafés, precincts and attractions. She noted that Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille estimated that Gauteng generated about R1-billion in visitor revenue over the G20 weekend – an early indication of the province’s tourism gains during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
Zonela added that many delegates and media teams extended their stays to enjoy the city’s warm weather, vibrant culture and festive atmosphere. With international arrivals to South Africa already up by 1.1 million year-on-year – reaching 7.8 million between January and September 2025 – she said the G20 provided a welcome boost to an already strong tourism recovery.
“The City’s improved global standing in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Africa rankings – now number five in 2024 – marks a significant rebound of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) in Johannesburg,” said Zonela. “The successful staging of the first G20 in Africa is a powerful testament to Joburg’s competitiveness as a global city.”
“Johannesburg carried the spirit of our nation exceptionally well. There was warmth, organisation and pride that visitors felt everywhere they went. The city showed that South Africa is ready for deeper partnerships, investment and collaboration,” she added.
For residents and local businesses, the summit’s success felt deeply personal – a validation of ongoing efforts to strengthen service delivery, uplift communities and rebuild trust. And for Mayor Morero, the G20 marks a beginning rather than a conclusion.
“In the gentle glow that followed the summit, Johannesburg stands taller – not because the world came, but because the city showed, softly and confidently, exactly who it is becoming and what it is capable of,” said Zonela.
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph