G20 Summit | Branding for G20

The article is a transcript from a broadcast on the final day of South Africa's G20 Leaders Summit at the NASREC Expo Center, focusing on the country's branding efforts and global image under its G20 presidency. Hosts Sakina and Leanne discuss South Africa as a brand, with reporter Sherwin Bryce-Pease interviewing Neville Mikey, CEO of Brand South Africa. Mikey highlights the 'all hands on deck' approach since President Ramaphosa assumed the presidency in Brazil last year, emphasizing South Africa's leadership role for Africa amid geopolitical tensions. Key achievements include the consensus adoption of the leaders' outcome document, boosting investor confidence and global positioning. Recent positives noted: removal from the financial grey list, S&P sovereign debt rating upgrade, and a surge in tourism to 7.6 million international visitors (up across regions, e.g., 58% from Middle East, 30% from Americas). Upcoming events like the Presidential Investment Conference and World Economic Forum are mentioned to sustain momentum. Addressing U.S. President Trump's critical rhetoric—accusations of genocide against white farmers and land expropriation—Mikey dismisses it as fake news and disinformation, noting supportive responses from global partners, South Africans abroad, and during recent missions like President Ramaphosa's to the Asian region. The truth about South Africa's human rights record and reconciliation post-apartheid prevails, with nations attending the G20 to affirm support. A thank-you media event is planned to acknowledge coverage of South African stories. The broadcast updates on closing sessions covering critical minerals, decent work, AI, a G20 20-year review, and bilaterals between South Africa, India, and Brazil (under IBSA) on U.S.-imposed tariffs (50% on Brazil, 30% on South Africa). The leaders' declaration reiterates G20 commitment to multilateralism and consensus, thanks South Africa for its leadership, commits to collaboration under the 2026 U.S. presidency but specifies meetings in the UK (2027) and South Korea (2028), subtly signaling caution toward the U.S. while welcoming Saudi Arabia's future bid. Overall, the summit portrays South Africa as a confident global leader, enhancing its brand despite external challenges.