International media delegates and guests have lauded South Africa’s world-class hosting of the G20 Summit, praising the country’s warmth, organisation and an exceptional media experience that many described as among the best they have ever encountered.
Speaking to SAnews on the ground at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, journalists and researchers reflected on a summit that not only delivered diplomatically, but also demonstrated South Africa’s capacity to host global events with precision and heart.
Over the past week, thousands of journalists, researchers and communication specialists descended on the purpose-built media hub, a centre South Africa’s government prepared with meticulous detail, extensive facilities and round-the-clock support.
From seamless logistics to generous catering and an atmosphere described as “warm” and “inclusive”, the media centre became a showcase of South Africa’s ability to host global events at scale.
For Ching Yi Chang of the Shanghai Media Group in China, this was his sixth G20 and one that immediately stood out.
“South Africa is one of the best, I feel. People [are] very welcoming. The atmosphere and people [are] very nice. All the facilities in the media center and everything is just perfect. I love it,” he told SAnews.
Chang, like many others, spoke glowingly about the catering.
“It's good. I definitely want to try the lunch again and see different kinds of food. The experience is really great", he said with a laugh.
Canada’s G20 Research Group, based at the University of Toronto, described South Africa’s hosting as a benchmark for future summits.
Researcher Irene Wu said the experience exceeded expectations from the moment she arrived.
“I just want to share my key takeaways and how I found the overall summit in South Africa. It's been absolutely amazing. The people have been so welcoming and hospitable, and we really felt the warmth of the country.
“It really just shows you your future directions for how summits will go in terms of inclusiveness, and [representation] of countries in the Global South,” she said.
Wu said she was struck by the efficiency and accessibility of the media centre.
“The minute I stepped in here, I was shocked by how well organised everything was. I attended the Rio Summit last year, and I will say the level of organisation, the networks of people, in terms of the staff, also with the road closures and all that, it was done in a very well organised way, and also considerate of foreigners, who aren't really used to the geography here,” she explained.
She praised the availability of information, the openness of staff and the ease with which researchers and media could navigate briefings.
“It's been a really great process, and it helps us in doing our research,” she added.
Her colleague Mahek Kaur, a co-chair of Summit Studies at the G20 Research Group, echoed the sentiment.
“From the moment we walked into the media center, we knew this was going to be different. It was very well organised, and there's a space again for media briefings in the main hall, which is always incredible,” she said.
Kaur praised the hospitality and warmth of South Africans inside and outside the summit venue.
“Everyone here… has been so hospitable and so lovely. Sometimes it's really difficult to be able to get into the right room and figure things out. Everyone here has been so wonderful," she told SAnews.
Reflecting on the summit’s progress, she said the early adoption of the leaders’ declaration spoke to the success of the South African presidency.
“Compared to some other summits that we've been a part of, we think this has been incredibly well organised and well run. We're very pleased to be here,” Kaur said.
For seasoned US-based SABC correspondent, Sherwin Bryce-Pease, covering the G20 at home – and witnessing the competence of the hosts – was a “beautiful moment”.
“What a beautiful moment, as South African media, in particular, what a beautiful moment to observe the proficiency of the South African government, how they've led this process, how Member States have coalesced around this presidency,” he said.
Calling it a historic milestone, the first G20 in South Africa and the first on African soil, Bryce-Pease said the outcome reflected Africa’s growing influence.
“Critical minerals are going to be important. I think South Africa has put on a good show.... South Africa... has hosted the World Cup, they've hosted the Rugby World Cup, they've hosted major events. This is not new terrain for South Africa,” he said.
For him, covering the summit was witnessing history in real time.
“I'm very pleased to have been part of a process that has been historic… in terms of development on the African continent, development around the world, but also in terms of economic prosperity for all people everywhere,” he said.
Across interviews, one thread was consistent: South Africa’s G20 media centre was not just functional, it was exemplary.
Delegates described it as welcoming, efficient, well-staffed and thoughtfully designed, with many calling it one of the best media environments they have experienced at any global summit.
For many who travelled thousands of kilometres to Johannesburg, it wasn’t just the summit or the media centre they will remember; it was the warmth, food, energy and generosity that made South Africa’s G20 experience unforgettable. – SAnews.gov.za
