Johannesburg: President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed gratitude to the people of South Africa for their unity and commitment in successfully hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit, marking the first time the event was held on African soil. The summit, along with over 130 meetings throughout the year, showcased South Africa’s spirit of ubuntu to the world.

According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa addressed the nation, thanking South Africans for their support during the country’s G20 Presidency. He praised the public for their role in hosting a series of successful meetings and for exemplifying the nation’s values to international delegates.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the positive feedback from global delegates who were moved by South Africa’s hospitality. Remarks from various officials included appreciation for the warmth of the people and the unique sense of hospitality that set South Africa apart from other summits held across continents.

International leaders, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, praised South Africa’s hospitality and leadership during turbulent times. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz also commended the country’s ambitious presidency.

The President underscored the significance of the G20 Social Summit, attended by over 5000 participants, as a demonstration of South Africa’s vision of a ‘People’s G20’. He acknowledged the efforts of security services, municipal workers, and ordinary citizens in ensuring the smooth execution of the events.

President Ramaphosa called for the spirit of collective action to persist beyond the summit, emphasizing the importance of continued community efforts in infrastructure maintenance and urban development.

The President extended gratitude to government officials, including the Deputy President, Ministers, and G20 Sherpas, for their guidance during the deliberations. He reiterated the importance of South Africa’s role in highlighting Africa’s development and global inequality on the G20 agenda.

Discussions at the summit led to agreements on debt relief, climate financing, and support for countries vulnerable to climate disasters. The Leaders’ Declaration adopted at the summit reinforced the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges.

President Ramaphosa also noted progress in South Africa’s domestic economy, reflecting an emerging economic recovery, and reiterated the nation’s commitment to addressing societal challenges, such as gender-based violence, which has been classified as a national disaster.

In his concluding remarks, President Ramaphosa urged the nation to focus on making South Africa a peaceful, prosperous, and great nation, addressing the challenges it faces with determination and collective effort.