Faith-based Pretoria organisation commends SA's G20 leadership and rejects divisive voices

The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) has joined a growing list of leaders and organisations heaping praise on President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Cabinet for their “steadfast leadership” and successful hosting and diplomatic manoeuvring as South Africa hosted the G20 Summit over the weekend.

SACOFF extended congratulations not only to Ramaphosa but his Cabinet and the team of organisers and praised their “critical diplomatic engagements during a highly pressured global moment”.

The Pretoria-based organisation representing a number of churches and faith-based organisations from across the country, criticised “local and international voices” that attempted to sow divisions, undermine South Africa’s G20 presidency and discredit or derail the “national progress”.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit — the first to be held on African soil — was nearly marred by US President Donald Trump’s administration’s boycott and subsequent attempt to disrupt its programme on the 11th hour by wanting to take part in a handover ceremony outside of protocol. However, the summit was concluded successfully, with its declaration adopted on the opening day as opposed to the closing day as per tradition. It was agreed that the handover to the US as the next hosts after South Africa, would be handled separately by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

SACOFF issued a statement on Monday praising the way the South African delegation handled political tension and dealt with challenges with composure, strategic clarity and principled resolve.

The organisation said, in an environment marked by heightened political tension, competing interests, and international scrutiny, the South African delegation displayed composure, strategic clarity, and principled resolve. The decisions taken were not easy, yet they were handled with dignity and prudence reflective of a nation that understands both its sovereign responsibility and its continental influence. 

“South Africa is home to many cultures, languages, and histories — and yes, as a diverse nation, we may debate and disagree as family. But when the moment calls for unity, South Africa stands shoulder to shoulder. We reject any narrative — local or foreign — that seeks to fracture our common identity or exploit our differences,” said SACOFF’s President, Pastor Bert Pretorius.

The organisation said it recognised that "constructive critique" is part of democracy, but decried the behaviour by several local and international voices that attempted to “derail or discredit national progress by magnifying division and painting South Africa with a single negative brushstroke”. It said what the detractors tried to present to the world did not reflect the “true picture of our nation”.

Debt Reform Summit

Confirming his boycott of the G20 summit last week, Trump repeated unfounded statements he has been making throughout the year suggesting white Afrikaners were being persecuted and dispossessed of their land. 

SACOFF rejected this narrative and stated that South Africa continues to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and leadership on the African continent and beyond. 

“There is more good happening in South Africa than what is wrong. We continue to see integrity, progress, and partnership across sectors — from faith and community development, to education and economic reform,” said Pretorius. 

SACOFF also stressed the importance the declaration outcomes, many of which align with concerns raised by faith communities, civil society, and vulnerable groups across the country. Among these it highlighted the call for debt relief for impoverished nations weighed down by unsustainable and “unjust financial burdens”.

“Millions across the Global South remain enslaved not by military occupation but by economic chains. The call for debt restructuring and relief is not just a financial matter — it is a moral, humanitarian, and justice mandate,” Pretorius stated. 

SACOFF also welcomed and expressed strong support for the announcement that South Africa will host the upcoming Debt Reform Summit, believing it presents a historic opportunity for collaborative African solutions and renewed global economic fairness. 

SACOFF said it would continue championing unity, ethical leadership, and the strengthening of faith-government partnerships for the sake of “national and continental flourishing”. 

“The future of Africa must not be one of dependency, but one of dignity. Divided, we fall — but united, we will rise, build, and succeed. Where there is team, there is conquest,” said Pretorius.