South Africa officially took over the Presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) on 1 December 2024 from Brazil and holds the G20 Presidency until 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.  

• Solidarity requires that all nations work together, particularly during difficult times, be it an economic crisis, natural disaster, or pandemic. In an interconnected world, where the challenges faced by one nation affect all nations, solidarity is more important than ever.

By promoting Equality, we strive to ensure fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals and nations. We aim to break down divisions of economic status, gender, race, geography or any other characteristics. The disparities in wealth and development within and between countries is unjust and unsustainable. 

• Sustainability means using our resources—like water, energy, and land—in a smart way that does not harm the planet or compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We are seeking to strengthen and advance the international effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The G20 comprises many of the world's largest developing and developed economies, It was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Decisions taken by the G20 have a direct impact on the lives of all members of the global community.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency will culminate in the hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on 22 and 23 November 2025 in Johannesburg. This will be the first time an African country hosts such a prestigious gathering, which brings together global leaders and policymakers from major economies to discuss global economic stability, sustainable growth and development, The G20 has in recent years expanded its agenda to include some of the most challenges of our time, including around climate change, trade, debt, health, agriculture, food and energy security, natural disasters and anti-corruption.

The G20 Presidency has provided South Africa with an opportunity to ensure that the development priorities of the Global South, and Africa especially, find expression firmly, onto the agenda of the G20.

To read the Ubuntu News Flash, please click HERE. Highlights include:

MINISTER MAROPENE RAMOKGOPA LEADS SOUTH AFRICA DELEGATION AT G7 DEVELOPMENT MINISTERS’ MEETING  (FOR TODAY PLEASE!!

SOUTH AFRICA CLINCHES WORLD FUTURE POLICY AWARD

SOUTH AFRICAN VET DR KELSEY SKINNER NOMINATED FOR GOLDEN STAR AWARD

UCT TO BRING THE WORLD ACADEMIC SUMMIT TO AFRICA FOR THE FIRST TIME

CAPE TOWN’S KITE FEST TURNS SKIES INTO GLOBAL MAGNET

From 12 October 2025, the European Union (EU) has introduced the EU Entry – Exit System (EES), for travellers entering the EU.  

What is the EES?

The EES is the EU’s new border management system and will change the way that the EU manages its external borders.

The EES will digitalize the borders of EU countries and is designed to record data of visa exempt and visa required non-EU nationals, travelling for a short stay (no more than 90 days in any 180 day period), each time they cross the external borders of the 29 Schengen Member States.

The following data will be recorded in the EES file: data listed in travel document (full name, date of birth, nationality), date and place of each entry and exit, biometric data such as facial image and fingerprints, refusal of entry.

Please note that the EES will be deployed progressively in European countries that will introduce the different elements of the EES in phases, including the collection of biometric data, such as facial image and fingerprints. For international travellers this means that their biometric data (facial image and fingerprints) might not be collected at every border crossing point right away, and their personal information may not be registered in the system.  Passports will continue to be stamped as usual.  This progressive implementation will last until 9 April 2026. The EES will be fully operational from 10 April 2026, and the stamping of passports will be replaced with electronic records in the system.

Information pertaining to Dual- Nationals

The EES applies to non-EU nationals. The data of EU nationals will not be registered in the EES.

Dual nationals holding at least one EU nationality should use the travel document issued by the respective EU Member State.

In case dual nationals do not carry with them EU travel documents, they will need to show other documents to the border authorities to prove their nationality.

Benefits of the EES.

• Modernizing and improving management of EU external borders;
• The EES makes border crossings faster and seamless and helps to reduce waiting times.
• Prevents irregular migration.
• The EES enhances the efficiency of border checks, detecting security risks and ensuring that only authorised travellers cross the external borders.

For more information see link to official page below:

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees

Please be informed that this year's Diplomatic Bazaar will take place at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa (old FIL), on 14-15 November, from 11H00 to 19H00.

There is a 2 Euro entry fee.

All proceeds go to institutions that assist the homeless.

Com and join us!  Come and support a good casue!