Ramaphosa applauds Joburg’s G20 readiness
Ramaphosa lauds the Rapid Response Team’s work in Johannesburg, assuring that the G20 Summit will be successful.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is satisfied with the progress of preparations ahead of the 20th G20 Summit, set to take place in the CoJ from November 22 to 23.
The president had previously raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the city during his visit and meetings with officials and stakeholders on March 6 and 7.
Ramaphosa said he is highly impressed with the work of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) in restoring the CoJ during his visit to Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown, Soweto, where he joined CoJ Mayor Dada Morero and private-sector partners for the CEO-City Cleanup Partnership Programme on November 14.
Description: President Ramaphosa and Dada Morero sign the pledge.
Captions: President Cyril Ramaphosa and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Ramaphosa sign a pledge to keep the City clean.
ALSO READ: President Ramaphosa to address nation on July 13 over national security concerns
“The mayor set up the RRT, which they dubbed the Bomb Squad. That team is doing good work, led by Dr Snuki Zikalala and many others,” said Ramaphosa.
“But the beauty of it is that we have mobilised the private sector, the province and several non-governmental organisations under the Presidential Working Group. A great deal of work is now underway to restore Johannesburg to its former glory.”
Ramaphosa said a similar strategy was used to turn Durban around and would be applied in other metros as well.
This is the first G20 Summit held on the African continent.
With only days to go before the summit, Ramaphosa said he would soon visit the venue to assess final preparations, adding that progress appeared positive.
He noted that work was being done in the city precinct and across greater Johannesburg, where residents live.
He expressed confidence after meeting the team responsible for the city’s revamp, stressing that the improvements would extend beyond the summit.
Description: Johannesburg Mayor Dada Ramaphosa captured behind the Freedom Charter Monument.
Caption: Johannesburg Mayor Dada Ramaphosa.
ALSO READ: It’s a beautiful day for democracy – Ramaphosa
According to Ramaphosa, the mayor and councillors are committed to repositioning Johannesburg, not only for the G20 or the upcoming elections, but for the benefit of residents and the businesses the city seeks to retain.
G20 Summit continue despite the USA’s withdrawal
Ramaphosa confirmed that more than 40 heads of state and government, as well as up to 64 heads of organisations, have confirmed their attendance.
He said Chinese President Xi Jinping would not attend due to prior commitments, though China’s Prime Minister will represent the country.
“President Xi has visited SA no less than six times, showing his commitment to our country,” Ramaphosa said.
Commenting on the USA’s withdrawal, he confirmed that President Donald Trump had decided not to attend and had pulled out all US representatives.
“But boycott politics never work. The summit will go on, and anyone who boycotts is the loser,” he said.
Arrival of Palestinians in SA
Addressing humanitarian matters, Ramaphosa said he was informed of the arrival of 160 Palestinians who landed in SA without proper documentation.
He explained that, given the conflict and suffering in Gaza, the government chose to admit them on compassionate grounds.
“Yesterday, we had a plane carrying 160 Palestinians land here. Even though they did not have the necessary documents, we could not turn them back. These are people from a war-torn country. Out of compassion and empathy, we had to receive them,” he said.
