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Former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor addressing a press conference.
Former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says that the upcoming G20 Summit will be an excellent opportunity for South Africa to showcase the country and the continent.
South Africa, which has the G20 Presidency, will host the summit in November this year.
Speaking at the 13th annual Mapungubwe Lecture in Johannesburg, Pandor says South Africa must use the upcoming summit to reflect on the globe and on international law.
“The South African theme unashamedly confirms our commitment to positive values of diversity, shared prosperity and inclusion. The efficient hosting by South Africa of over 100 meetings has illustrated our ability to manage large events and created a fresh opportunity in this climate to strengthen links with Europe and the world’s premier emerging economy.”
“There is a real danger that the shifting sands of technology -while being a
great advance- can serve as the purveyor of ignorance and the absence
of intellectual rigour. Our societies need to be nimbler in responding
effectively to dishonesty via social media and the use of… pic.twitter.com/yitxSjIbT4— Mapungubwe Institute (@MISTRA_SA) September 4, 2025
Furthermore, Pandor says that South Africa intends to retain its good relations with the United States, while also strengthening its relations with other countries.
Pandor says that South Africa has benefited from the presence of US companies who have in turn employed thousands of people.
She was commenting on the relationship between South Africa and the US that has become strained, since US President Donald Trump inauguration.
“Our interventions and responses should acknowledge the importance of newer and growing trade partners such as on our continent, in East Asia and of course China. President Ramaphosa has been emphatic about continuing to build solid relations with the United States of America while also being diverse and complementary in approaches to existing and new opportunities.”
