With the world set to turn its gaze to Johannesburg this November for the first-ever G20 leaders’ summit on African soil, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and provincial leaders made a high-level stop in Midrand to ensure the province is ready for the task.
On September 9, Lesufi, alongside members of the executive council and mayors, toured the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) – the nerve centre co-ordinating the province’s emergency response.
Read more: Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal transport MECs strengthen interprovincial collaboration
The visit formed part of a broader assessment of Gauteng’s preparedness to host one of the globe’s most influential gatherings.
The ECC is equipped with a live dashboard that tracks emergency calls, ambulance dispatch, hospital diversions, vehicle movements, major incidents, and staff availability.
This real-time capability is designed to sharpen service delivery and improve response times across the province.
Currently, Gauteng EMS operates a fleet of more than 500 emergency vehicles per shift – including advanced ICU ambulances, obstetrics ambulances, rescue units, and a disaster response bus. Complementing this is the Forensic Pathology Services fleet of 65 vehicles, ensuring the dignified handling of fatalities.
The Department of Health also presented a detailed readiness report, outlining the capacity of health facilities to deliver quality care, backed by trained personnel and advanced medical equipment.
During the G20 summit itself, a dedicated medical centre will be set up at the main venue, to provide on-site support and ensure swift intervention in the event of health-related incidents.
South Africa will host the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg on November 22–23, focusing on themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainable development, with a special emphasis on Africa’s development agenda.
Discussions are set to tackle pressing global challenges, from inclusive growth and food security, to artificial intelligence, climate change, and more.
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