No G20 leader will face arrest after Lamola extends diplomatic immunity privileges
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola delivered the update during a media briefing at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec earlier this week.
Image: G20 South Africa/ X
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has granted diplomatic immunity for the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend.
In terms of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, Lamola must by notice in the government gazette recognise a specific conference or meeting for the purposes of the subsection on diplomatic immunity.
Lamola announced that “It is hereby published for general information that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, in terms of section 6(2) of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, 2001 (Act 37 of 2001) has recognised the fourth Sherpa meeting, to be held from 16 to 19 November 2025 and the G20 Leaders' Summit, to be convened on 22 and 23 November 2025, both in Johannesburg”.
He stated that in accordance with the act, the immunities and privileges to be accorded to both meetings in Johannesburg are those provided for in the 1946 Convention of the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the 1947 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of Specialised Agencies.
Lamola said the Act also makes provision for the arrest of guest who may not be granted immunity.
The immunity also extends to the Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability, the Social G20 Summit, which bought together formal and informal networks, including youth groups, women’s organisations, persons with disabilities, faith-based organisations, community forum and other grassroots structures to engage directly on global issues that affect daily lives.
Dirco’s diplomatic immunities and privileges (DIAP) already told foreign missions that with the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit 2025 that the services its renders will be impacted.
“It should be noted that between November 10, 2025 and November 25, 2025, officials will be deployed for the G20 Leaders' Summit which will affect services such as diplomatic accreditation, temporary residence visas and vehicle registrations, rendered by DIAP,” reads a DIAP circular sent to diplomatic missions and international organisations.
According to the department’s rules, diplomatic immunity is done for official government events as it and statutes allow.
loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za