From Zimbabwe, China and the UK: Leaders descend on South Africa for landmark G20 Summit
Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Nyikadzino Chiwenga was welcomed to South Africa by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
Image: The Herald Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, has arrived in South Africa to lead his country’s delegation to this year’s G20 Summit, The Herald newspaper reported on Friday.
Chiwenga is representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the high-level gathering in Johannesburg, where the world’s major and emerging economies will meet to chart what organisers describe as a sustainable and inclusive global economic order.
He was welcomed on arrival by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka.
Earlier this week, IOL reported that South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said 42 countries — including G20 members, guest nations, and invited regional partners — are expected to attend the summit, underscoring the scale of the event and the diplomatic weight placed on it by Pretoria.
Zimbabwe is participating as an invited nation, and its presence comes at a time Harare is seeking deeper regional integration and improved cooperation within Africa and beyond.
Chiwenga’s attendance signals Zimbabwe’s intention to be part of wider global economic discussions despite its own ongoing efforts to re-engage with international institutions.
On the other hand, the People's Republic of China is represented at the summit by a high-level delegation led by Premier Li Qiang, who is standing in for President Xi Jinping. Li’s presence underscores Beijing’s intention to remain actively engaged in G20 processes at a time when global economic governance is under strain and China is positioning itself as a leading voice for emerging markets.
Li landed in South Africa on Thursday night on a branded Air China jumbo jet. China's second-in-command arrived in South Africa from Zambia’s capital Lusaka where he held a landmark two-day visit that laid bare Beijing’s deepening engagement in southern Africa. He met with President Hakainde Hichilema and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents spanning infrastructure, mining, trade and technology.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema meets Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Lusaka during the premier’s landmark visit, where the two leaders discussed deeper economic cooperation and the upgrade of the TAZARA railway.
Image: Hakainde Hichilema/ X
The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has also arrived in South Africa for the G20 Summit, joining a growing list of world leaders and senior representatives already in Johannesburg.
Starmer's attendance highlights the importance London places on the G20 as it seeks to strengthen global cooperation on growth, climate commitments and international development.
The UK prime minsiter was received at OR Tambo International Airport by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes.
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was received by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes
Image: SANDF
With South Africa confirming that 42 countries will participate — including G20 members, guest nations and invited regional partners — the summit is expected to draw intense diplomatic engagement as leaders navigate geopolitical tensions, trade pressures and the challenges of global economic recovery.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News