President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana as acting president.
Godongwana will serve as acting president from 21 to 27 October 2025, while Ramaphosa travels on several international visits.
ENOCH GODOGWANA AS ACTING PRESIDENT
Enoch Godongwana’s appointment as Acting President follows the recent designation of Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga during Ramaphosa’s trip to New York.
Godongwana is a long-serving member of the African National Congress (ANC).
He was elected to the party’s National Executive Council in December 1997.
Additionally, between May 2009 and January 2012, he served as Deputy Minister under former President Jacob Zuma.
Ramaphosa appointed Godongwana as the acting president because Deputy President Paul Mashatile is on leave during the period.
RAMAPHOSA TRAVELS TO STRENGTHEN GLOBAL TIES
Ramaphosa began his travels in Indonesia on 22 October 2025 for a working visit.
He will continue to Vietnam from 23 to 24 October 2025, before heading to Malaysia between 24 and 27 October 2025.
During his stay in Malaysia, Ramaphosa will participate in the 47th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur.
World leaders will gather to discuss the role of Asian nations in a multipolar world.
Ramaphosa will conclude his international travels with a working trip to Switzerland from 29 October to 30 October 2025.
STRENGTHENING BILATERAL RELATIONS ONE NATION AT A TIME
Ramaphosa believes these international visits will deepen bilateral relations between South Africa and its global partners.
Key discussions will focus on trade and investment opportunities.
The presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the visits will also help the president prepare for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The summit will take place in Johannesburg, Gauteng, on 22 and 23 November 2025.
This will be the first time the summit is hosted on African soil.
