The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) has defended Johannesburg’s ability to host the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, pointing to its extensive experience in managing major global events.

This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s March 7 announcement of a Presidential Johannesburg Working Group to address infrastructure challenges in the city.

“I have heard today how the ongoing disruptions in water and electricity provision are making the lives of residents difficult. I have also heard how deteriorating road infrastructure – including potholes, unsafe bridges, dysfunctional street lights and stolen traffic lights – are exacerbating congestion and a sense of disorder,” said Ramaphosa, pointing out his observations of the city during the G20 meetings already held there.

“I should say that one or two of the meetings of the G20 that I attended here were not very pleasing; the environment that one observed was not a pleasing environment.”

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis subsequently said Cape Town is ready to host the event if Johannesburg’s problems proved “insurmountable”.

“Mr President, you can be assured that Cape Town is ready at any time to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit and represent South Africa with pride on the global stage. This is a city with a thriving CBD offering working traffic lights, neat roads and sidewalks, unmatched natural beauty and excellent conferencing infrastructure,” Hill-Lewis said.

GTA’s Head: Destination Marketing and Communication Barba Gaoganediwe told Tourism Update that Cape Town has not met the specific infrastructural criteria needed to accommodate the volume of high-level delegates attending the summit.

“Johannesburg exceeded the criteria required to host the G20. These requirements included the number of available international airports, accommodation near airports and venues that would not cause disruptions to the general public,” he said.

“Johannesburg remains South Africa’s primary economic and commercial hub with world-class conferencing facilities and an unmatched ability to accommodate large-scale international summits,” said Gaoganediwe.

“The city has successfully hosted the BRICS Summit, major UN conferences and global business summits. We are confident that, despite challenges, Johannesburg will rise to the occasion.”

Gaoganediwe highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and security ahead of the summit.

“The City of Johannesburg, alongside provincial and national partners and the private sector, is committed to ensuring that visiting dignitaries and delegates experience the best of what our province has to offer. Significant work is already underway to improve roads, safety and hospitality services ahead of the event.”

Gaoganediwe urged private-sector stakeholders to assist government in showcasing South Africa’s capabilities on the global stage.

“This is likely the only occasion in our lifetimes that the G20 Summit will occur here. Leaders and the private sector must unite to ensure that the full range of capabilities is harnessed for the benefit of the country.”