G20 summit, opportunity to showcase world-class emergency care capability 14 September 2025

Department of Health 2025/09/15 - 22:00



​As the countdown to the G20 Summit in November begins, Gauteng Province has taken decisive steps to ensure its emergency response systems are fully prepared to host one of the world's most significant diplomatic gatherings. 

On Wednesday, 9 September 2025, Premier Panyaza Lesufi, accompanied by Members of the Executive Council and local Mayors, visited the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) in Midrand to assess the province's state of readiness.

The visit formed part of a broader provincial strategy to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of both international delegates and local residents during the summit. Premier Lesufi and his delegation toured the ECC, a high-tech facility that serves as the operational hub for emergency medical coordination across Gauteng. 

The centre is equipped with a sophisticated live dashboard that monitors emergency calls, ambulance dispatches, major incidents, hospital diversions, vehicle movements, and human resource capacity. This real-time data integration is designed to enhance service delivery and significantly improve response times during emergencies.

Gauteng EMS operates a robust fleet of over 500 emergency vehicles per shift. These include advanced Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ambulances, specialised Obstetrics ambulances, rescue units, and a disaster response bus capable of handling large-scale incidents. In addition to EMS, the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services is equipped with 65 vehicles, ensuring the dignified and efficient handling of fatalities, particularly in the event of mass casualty scenarios.

During the visit, the GDoH presented a comprehensive report detailing the readiness of health facilities across the province. The report highlighted the availability of skilled medical personnel, the deployment of cutting-edge medical equipment, and the implementation of emergency protocols tailored for high-profile international events. 

As part of the summit preparations, a dedicated medical centre will be established at the main venue to provide immediate onsite medical support. This facility will be staffed by experienced clinicians and equipped to respond swiftly to any health-related incidents that may arise during the summit.

MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said that as Gauteng prepares to welcome the world to the G20 Summit, the province is demonstrating its commitment to safety, excellence, and service. 

"Our emergency teams are ready, our systems are responsive, and our health infrastructure is primed to support this global event," said the MEC during the visit.

With the G20 Summit set to place Gauteng on the international stage, the province is showcasing its leadership in emergency preparedness and healthcare innovation. The visit to the ECC reaffirmed Gauteng's readiness to host the world with professionalism, precision, and pride.


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