Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has extended heartfelt praise to the Republic of South Africa for its successful hosting of the landmark G20 Summit, a historic event that placed Africa at the centre of global economic and political discourse.
The message, delivered through Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, conveys Eswatini’s immense pride and admiration for South Africa’s leadership in staging the world-renowned gathering.
The Prime Minister expressed the King’s sentiments during a courtesy visit on Saturday, 29 November 2025, by South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramakgopa. The meeting, held at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini, followed two days of high-level energy cooperation discussions between Dr Ramakgopa and Eswatini’s Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela.
Addressing Dr Ramakgopa and his delegation, Prime Minister Dlamini conveyed His Majesty’s royal commendation:
“Your Excellency, allow me to congratulate you and the Government of the Republic of South Africa for the successful hosting of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg this past week. I am under command from His Majesty King Mswati III to request that you express the profuse pride of the Kingdom of Eswatini to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa and his government for brilliantly pulling off this remarkable feat.”
He continued by stating that South Africa’s achievement had made not only its citizens proud but the entire African continent. The Prime Minister described the summit as a moment of collective triumph, highlighting Africa’s growing influence in global governance.
His remarks echoed the sentiments shared earlier by Prince Lonkhokhela, who, during his own engagements with Dr Ramakgopa on Friday, had also congratulated South Africa for the milestone accomplishment. The Prince emphasised the symbolic and strategic significance of the Johannesburg summit, noting that it represented a new chapter in Africa’s engagement with world powers.
The First G20 Summit on African Soil
The 2025 G20 Johannesburg Summit marked the twentieth meeting of the Group of Twenty and the first ever to be hosted on African soil. Held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 22–23 November 2025, the summit symbolised shifting global dynamics and the growing recognition of Africa’s economic and geopolitical importance.
South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2025, becoming the first African nation to chair the influential forum. The presidency positioned South Africa at the forefront of international economic diplomacy, guiding global discussions on trade, financial stability, climate resilience, sustainable development, and broader socio-economic issues affecting both developed and developing nations.
According to G20 documentation, the forum brings together 19 countries—representing major economies across all continents—and two regional bodies: the European Union and the African Union. Collectively, G20 members account for approximately 85% of global GDP, over 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population, making it the premier platform for addressing global economic challenges.
A Forum Shaped by Global Crises and Cooperation
Founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis, the G20 initially served as a platform for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. Its evolution into a leaders’ summit in 2008 reflected the need for coordinated global responses during the financial crisis of 2007–2008. Since then, the G20 has expanded its focus to include climate change, health, agriculture, anti-corruption, and sustainable development.
In keeping with its structure, the G20 operates without a permanent secretariat. Instead, the presidency rotates annually among member states. The presidency is supported by a “troika” comprising the current, previous, and incoming chairs. During South Africa’s term, the troika included Brazil (2024), South Africa (2025), and the United States (2026), ensuring continuity in global agenda-setting.
Eswatini’s Message of Continental Pride
The Prime Minister emphasised that South Africa’s successful hosting of the summit had uplifted the spirit of the African continent. He noted that the event demonstrated Africa’s capability to host large-scale international gatherings and contribute meaningfully to global problem-solving.
“As Africans, we understand that one reed is easy to break, but a bundle is much stronger,” he said, invoking a proverb symbolising unity and resilience. “Our region succeeds when we stand together, support one another, and advance our shared economic interests.”
In response, Dr Ramakgopa thanked the Prime Minister for the warm words of appreciation and affirmed South Africa’s deep regard for its relationship with Eswatini. He remarked that the two nations were bound not only by geography but also by cultural, historical, and socio-economic ties.
He described South Africa and Eswatini as “one people separated only by borders,” emphasising that cooperation between the two countries would remain a priority, particularly in areas of energy security and regional development.
As Eswatini and South Africa continue strengthening their partnership, the King’s recognition of South Africa’s G20 success stands as a testament to regional solidarity and the shared aspiration for Africa’s elevation on the global stage.
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