As Johannesburg hosted the G20 Summit for the first time on African soil, South Africans took to social media with creators using humour to highlight the city’s sudden transformation.
South Africa (25 November 2025) – Over the past weekend, Johannesburg stepped onto the world stage as South Africa hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit. This was the first time in history that this global gathering has been held on African soil. A major milestone for South Africa, but most importantly for the continent, as it placed Africa’s growth and development firmly on the agenda.
But while world leaders discussed diplomacy and developments, South Africans were having a very different conversation online.
Take, for example, a hilarious video by creator Karabo Mahapa, his commentary summed up what many locals were thinking.
He’s become known for his sharp commentary videos that tap into everyday life. It’s this consistent blend of humour and relatability that keeps audiences coming back.
In his latest clip he compared the sudden transformation of Johannesburg to something we all know very well.
“That one cupboard at home where your parents kept the expensive plates and glasses, because they were only for guests.”
According to Karabo, the guests have finally arrived. This times it’s not your aunts and uncles, their names are the G20 countries.
He jokes about how Johannesburg cleaned up almost overnight. Police visible everywhere, even in malls and on highways.
“Johannesburg is running a Black Friday type of service delivery special while the guests are still in town, ask for anything, you’ll get it!”
The video sparked conversations about possibility. If things can be fixed when guests arrive, maybe they can stay fixed after they leave.
And as the summit wraps up, locals are hoping the guest treatment era becomes more than just a temporary makeover.
Because now that the good dishes are out, it’s hard to go back to plastic cups.
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