Government probing arrival of over 150 Palestinians in SA: Lamola

November 17, 2025 1

International Relations Minister, Ronald Lamola, says government is investigating the circumstances surrounding the recent arrival of more than 150 Palestinians in South Africa.

Speaking at a media briefing on the country’s readiness to host the G20 Summit, Lamola raised concern about Palestinians being relocated from their homeland.

The group, which travelled from Kenya, was initially denied entry at OR Tambo International Airport after immigration officials were unable to verify their documents. They were later processed into the country and are now receiving support from humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers.

Lamola says authorities are probing how the group ended up in South Africa.

G20 Summit: 42 countries confirmed

Lamola also confirmed that 42 countries have finalised their participation in this year’s G20 Summit, which will be held at Nasrec, on Saturday and Sunday.

Heads of state are expected to begin arriving this week. The confirmed list includes 20 member states — excluding the United States — along with 16 guest countries and six nations representing regional economic communities across Africa, the Caribbean and East Asia.

Lamola said South Africa is ready to host a successful summit.

“The President has already commenced negotiations on South Africa’s declarations. Sherpas began online negotiations on 10 November and started in-person sessions yesterday. The third Sherpa meeting will conclude on 19 November. We strongly believe that those who are present can build consensus for the leaders to adopt a declaration,” Lamola said.

He added that consensus remains possible even without US officials, who have withdrawn from the summit.

“Our emphasis is that, with those who are present, we can build consensus for the adoption of the leaders’ declaration. Negotiations are ongoing. We have done everything possible to enable open and fair engagement. Even when the US raised concerns, we tried to accommodate them. They have now decided, of their own volition, to step aside. Our doors remain open should they wish to participate.”

#G20MediaBriefing on the State of Readiness|
Minister Lamola highlighted some incredible wins that show that South Africa is turning the corner:
• Load shedding being a challenge of the past.
• Reduction in the unemployment rate in the
previous quarter.
• S&P Global… pic.twitter.com/h7JpWMaZSm

— G20 South Africa (@g20org) November 17, 2025