President Ramaphosa Appoints Enoch Godongwana as Acting President During Key International Visits

Strengthening Leadership Continuity

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa from 21 to 27 October 2025. The appointment ensures seamless governance and decision-making while President Ramaphosa embarks on a high-level international programme of diplomatic and economic engagements.

Minister Godongwana’s selection reflects the President’s confidence in his leadership and capacity to manage the nation’s affairs during a critical period of international representation. The decision also aligns with the constitutional provision that allows the President to delegate authority when travelling abroad or when both the President and Deputy President are unavailable.

Deputy President Shipokosa Paul Mashatile is currently on leave, which prompted the temporary delegation of presidential responsibilities to Minister Godongwana. During this period, the Acting President will oversee cabinet functions, monitor government operations, and ensure policy continuity in domestic matters.

A Diplomatic Mission Across Asia

President Ramaphosa’s itinerary underscores South Africa’s expanding role in global diplomacy and trade. His series of visits across Asia this week aims to reinforce political cooperation, deepen bilateral relations, and attract foreign investment into key national sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

The President’s first destination is Indonesia, where he will undertake a Working Visit to strengthen South Africa’s strategic partnership with Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Discussions are expected to focus on renewable energy collaboration, agricultural trade, and digital transformation, areas where South Africa seeks mutual growth and innovation.

Following the visit to Indonesia, President Ramaphosa will travel to Vietnam for a State Visit, where he will meet with President Tô Lâm and Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. Vietnam and South Africa share growing economic ties, particularly in trade, mining, and technology sectors. This engagement aims to diversify export markets and build on the two countries’ shared commitment to sustainable development and industrial cooperation.

The President’s third stop will be Malaysia, where he will conduct a State Visit and participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. This summit represents a significant moment for South Africa, as it continues to strengthen cooperation with Asian economies that play a crucial role in global supply chains.

Building Economic Bridges with Asia

South Africa’s engagement with ASEAN is expected to open new pathways for trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The region, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, offers vast opportunities for South African exports and business partnerships.

Through high-level meetings, President Ramaphosa will seek to enhance trade agreements, encourage South African investment in Asian markets, and attract technology-driven collaboration that supports industrialisation and job creation at home.

The President’s engagements are also expected to focus on tourism promotion, educational partnerships, and joint research initiatives between South African and Asian universities. These initiatives fall within South Africa’s broader economic diplomacy framework, designed to position the country as a gateway to Africa for Asian investors.

Furthermore, the ASEAN Summit will provide a platform for South Africa to strengthen its observer relationship with the organisation. This engagement reflects the country’s aspiration to integrate more deeply into the Asian economic landscape and foster balanced global development partnerships.

Godongwana at the Helm

While President Ramaphosa represents the country abroad, Acting President Enoch Godongwana will oversee domestic governance with an emphasis on economic stability and policy continuity.

As Minister of Finance, Godongwana has been instrumental in steering fiscal reforms aimed at stabilising public debt, boosting investor confidence, and accelerating economic recovery following global and local challenges. His appointment as Acting President comes at a time when South Africa’s economy is showing cautious signs of improvement amid global economic headwinds.

During his temporary leadership, Minister Godongwana is expected to maintain government focus on service delivery, public sector performance, and ongoing preparations for the upcoming Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). His steady economic stewardship has earned him a reputation for pragmatism and fiscal discipline - qualities that align with the responsibilities of the presidency, even in an acting capacity.

Continuing the Global Investment Drive

President Ramaphosa’s diplomatic journey does not end in Asia. After completing his engagements in Malaysia, he is scheduled to undertake a State Visit to Switzerland from 29 to 30 October 2025. This leg of the tour forms part of the President’s sustained efforts to attract global trade and investment into South Africa’s growing sectors, including renewable energy, manufacturing, and financial services.

Switzerland remains one of South Africa’s most significant trade partners in Europe. The State Visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in innovation, vocational training, and financial services. Both countries are expected to explore new investment channels through public-private partnerships and green finance initiatives, aligning with South Africa’s goals for sustainable development.

President Ramaphosa’s foreign missions form part of a broader international strategy leading up to his chairing of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg next month. This historic event will mark South Africa’s first time hosting the global summit, positioning the nation as a key voice in the global economic arena.

Preparing for the G20 Summit in Johannesburg

The upcoming G20 Summit, set to take place in Johannesburg in November, is poised to become one of the most significant international events ever hosted in South Africa. It will bring together leaders from the world’s largest economies to discuss global economic resilience, inclusive growth, climate change, and sustainable investment.

As chair, President Ramaphosa aims to steer the summit’s agenda toward issues that matter most to developing nations, such as equitable trade, fair energy transitions, and digital inclusion. South Africa’s hosting of the summit is expected to boost its global profile and underscore its leadership role in advocating for Africa’s voice in international economic governance.

The current diplomatic engagements serve as both groundwork and momentum-building efforts for that major event. By engaging with Asian and European partners beforehand, South Africa is reinforcing key alliances and advancing cooperative strategies that will shape discussions at the G20 table.

A Strategic Step for South Africa

President Ramaphosa’s ongoing diplomatic tour signifies more than ceremonial state visits, it represents a deliberate and strategic approach to position South Africa as a bridge between developing and developed economies.

His travels through Asia and Europe highlight South Africa’s commitment to global collaboration, sustainable growth, and economic inclusivity. Meanwhile, Minister Enoch Godongwana’s leadership as Acting President ensures that domestic governance remains stable, demonstrating the strength of South Africa’s democratic institutions and leadership continuity.

Through these coordinated efforts at home and abroad, South Africa continues to assert its influence on the global stage, seeking partnerships that not only strengthen its economy but also contribute to a more equitable and interconnected world.

Image Credit: Maklera Magazine

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