Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille. Image credit: @SATravelTrade/X.
(The Post News) – Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says Gauteng generated an estimated R1 billion in revenue. This revenue came from hosting the G20 events. Meanwhile, the summit itself was marked by the United States’ absence.
The weekend also featured strong economic messages and speeches from global leaders, underscoring South Africa’s role in shaping international cooperation.
Gauteng’s R1 Billion Boost from the G20
Speaking to EWN, de Lille explained that this was an early projection of tourism income linked to the G20 presidency. Across the country, more than 130 meetings took place. Gauteng hosted the bulk of discussions on the bloc’s policy priorities.
De Lille said audits were underway to provide a more accurate picture of the financial impact. She noted that, since January, visitors and delegates had been offered travel packages to explore South Africa.
Some arrived early, and others extended their stay beyond the summit. Final figures will be available in the coming weeks.
De Lille also highlighted a shift in tourism trends. She revealed that arrivals from the United States have now overtaken those from the United Kingdom.
U.S. Absence and the DIRCO Handover
DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told journalists on Saturday that the department had formally recorded the US as absent.
He stressed that the summit’s focus remained on the countries that chose to attend. “The United States is not attending. We will mark them absent. We have already marked them as absent,” Phiri said.
The US decision not to send a senior delegation to a summit has heightened diplomatic concerns. The US is set to preside over the summit next year.
US officials indicated that only a junior embassy representative might be available. This representative would accept the ceremonial handover of the G20 presidency. South Africa rejected this arrangement. Phiri emphasised that President Cyril Ramaphosa had made it clear. He stated such a handover could not take place at a lower diplomatic level.
“We will not be handing over to a junior official here. It’s a matter of process. They will be taking over the presidency, and that must be done at the appropriate level,” he said.
No Tensions With US
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has emphasised the stable relations between South Africa and the United States. She noted that both countries, along with the United Kingdom, form part of the G20 troika.
She explained that South Africa will continue to work closely with the US. It will also collaborate with the UK. The UK is set to assume the G20 presidency in 2027 after the US.
Ntshavheni dismissed concerns that Cabinet ministers might face visa issues with the US. They are preparing to travel there for the 2027 summit without worry. She stressed that the G20 declaration adopted at the summit reflects the collective position of multiple nations. These nations include the European Union and the African Union. The declaration is not about one country dominating another.
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