Xi made the remarks in a written statement upon his arrival in Brazil for the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit and a state visit to the country at the invitation of President Lula. Xi also extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the government and people of Brazil.
Noting that he has visited Brazil four times and witnessed the development and changes in the country over the past 30 years, Xi said he feels very close to Brazil as he again stepped onto this passionate land.
China and Brazil are like-minded friends with the same aspirations and good partners forging ahead hand in hand, Xi said. Although separated by oceans, China and Brazil, two major developing countries in the eastern and western hemispheres respectively, are attracted to each other and echo each other at a distance, he said.
In recent years, the two countries have continued to deepen political mutual trust, yielded fruitful results in practical cooperation, achieved flourishing people-to-people and cultural cooperation, and showed new vitality of the times in the traditional friendship, Xi said.
China and Brazil have also jointly made the just voice of the Global South in the international arena and made important contributions to promoting world peace and development, Xi added.
As China and Brazil celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year, relations between the two countries stand at an important historical juncture of building on past achievements and forging ahead, he said.
Xi said he believes the visit will further strengthen the two countries’ strategic mutual trust, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields and usher in a new “golden 50 years” for China-Brazil relations.
Looking forward to attending the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit, Xi said he is ready to work with all parties to discuss plans and seek development, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote the G20 to continue to play a greater role as an important platform for international economic cooperation.
Xi arrived here from Lima, where he attended the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and paid a state visit to Peru.
In a written statement, Xi hoped for the G20’s greater role as an important platform for international economic cooperation.
This year’s G20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for Nov. 18-19, marks the first gathering of the kind since the accession of the African Union (AU) as a full member, a historic milestone that strengthens the voice of the Global South.
Javier Miranda, former president of Uruguay’s Broad Front party, expressed his hope that this summit will mark a significant step toward building a multi-polar world — one that fosters dialogue.
In a world fraught with wars and conflicts, the commitment to dialogue stands as one goal of this G20 meeting, he told Xinhua.
Following its assumption of the presidency, Brazil has established the summit theme as “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet.” Key priorities outlined by the Brazilian government include combating hunger, poverty, and inequality, advancing sustainable development, and driving reforms in global governance.
“Building a just world requires the G20 to honor the principles of mutual respect, equal-footed cooperation and mutual benefit, and support Global South countries in achieving greater development,” Xi said in a signed article published in Brazilian media outlet Folha de S. Paulo on Sunday.
“Building a sustainable planet requires the G20 to promote sustainable production and lifestyle as a way to achieve harmony between humanity and nature,” he said.
The Chinese president also pledged China’s active support for the initiative of a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty proposed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
“As we gather at the G20 to address critical global issues such as governance, hunger, sustainability, and the environment, we recognize the crucial role of our partnership with China,” said Rodrigo Castro, deputy secretary for Major Events and Promotion Actions of the Government of the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Many of the solutions to address challenges faced by developing nations stem from ideas and practices already implemented in China, Castro said.
“For us Brazilians who are hosting the G20 … we are very proud to welcome the president and the entire Chinese delegation,” he told Xinhua.
Apart from the G20 summit, Xi is also to pay a state visit to Brazil, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
During the visit, Xi will hold an in-depth exchange of views with the Brazilian president on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common interest.
Brazil is the second stop of Xi’s two-nation tour, which has taken him to Peru. In Lima, he kept to a tight schedule, attending the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, paying a state visit to Peru and holding a series of bilateral meetings, including one with his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, on the sidelines of the APEC meeting.
He made the remarks when addressing the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in the Peruvian capital. Under this year’s theme of Empower, Include, Grow, APEC members agreed to work towards an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community at a time of mounting challenges and uncertainties.
China’s hosting of the 2026 APEC summit underscores its advocacy for openness and cooperation, serving as a tangible step toward strengthening Asia-Pacific solidarity and fostering an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future.
It is expected to play a positive and pivotal role in building broader consensus and deliver more tangible results for regional connectivity and a more balanced, sustainable, and inclusive growth of Asia-Pacific and beyond.
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It will mark the third time China has hosted APEC. When China first hosted the APEC summit in 2001, it was poised to join the World Trade Organization, signaling its readiness to step fully into the global economic arena.
By the time China hosted APEC again in 2014, the country had become an economic powerhouse, driving global growth through deepened integration into the world economy.
Now, China is set to play host again with a significant mission: to unite Asia-Pacific economies to champion open economic and trade cooperation while rejecting protectionist and confrontational trade tactics.
To advance Asia-Pacific cooperation, China took the initiative to shoulder the responsibility by offering to host APEC in 2026, which is welcomed by APEC members and has received their endorsement at this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Saturday.
“We look forward to working with all parties to deepen Asia-Pacific cooperation to the benefit of the peoples in the region,” Xi said during his speech.
China’s previous experience in hosting APEC demonstrates its ability to build consensus, said Carlos Vasquez, 2024 chair of APEC senior officials ambassador.
“China played a very important role along with some other very important economies … to gain consensus again from the very beginning in the APEC year 2024 here in Peru,” said Vasquez.
Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, executive director of the Islamabad-based Centre of South Asia and International Studies, said it is foreseeable that China will further share the achievements of its policies of openness, modernization, digitalization, and qualitative industrial development.
He expressed the hope that Chinese policymakers will share new befitting propositions, plans, and initiatives to enhance regional and global economic integration and foster international cooperation.
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During his speech, Xi urged APEC economies to “act in solidarity and cooperation to meet the challenges, fully deliver on the Putrajaya Vision 2040, build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, and start a new era in Asia-Pacific development.”
The Putrajaya Vision 2040, adopted by APEC leaders in 2020, envisions “an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040, for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.”
This vision of shared prosperity and enduring stability faces growing challenges. Geopolitical tensions, coupled with economic disruptions fueled by unilateralism, protectionism, and attempts at “decoupling” and “de-risking,” have placed unprecedented strain on the region’s stability and growth.
“We should stay committed to multilateralism and an open economy, firmly uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, fully reactivate APEC’s role as an incubator of global economic and trade rules, and advance regional economic integration and connectivity,” said Xi.
He also emphasized the need to make green innovation a catalyst for the Asia-Pacific and called on APEC members to increase support for developing economies and disadvantaged groups and work together to grow the pie and distribute it equitably to allow more economies and people to benefit from development.
Neo Letswalo, a researcher at the Department of Politics and International Relations in South Africa’s University of Johannesburg, said APEC members should foster more regional integration efforts, starting with establishing joint commitments to enhancing free trade, decarbonization and investments, as “strong economic interdependency prevents conflict and tension.”
In the views of Khan, “Xi’s suggestions facilitate a positive, productive, and participatory trading system, producing win-win situations for every country in the Asia-Pacific.”
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For the past three decades, APEC members have joined hands towards closer cooperation and deeper regional integration, making Asia-Pacific the world’s most dynamic and promising economic powerhouse, as well as a key driving force for global growth and poverty reduction.
Today, the world looks different. It is gripped by anemic growth and confronted with challenges such as unilateralism and protectionism. China, which has made great strides in economic growth and social development since its reform and opening up over 40 years ago, has offered and will continue to provide solutions to these problems.
Opening up is a distinct hallmark of Chinese modernization, and China has remained committed to opening its door wider to the world.
China continues to implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership against high standards, and is also working actively to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, Xi said.
“China welcomes all parties to continue riding the ‘express train’ of its development and grow together with the Chinese economy so that we can all contribute to the modernization of all countries featuring peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity,” he added.
In interviews with Xinhua, Asia-Pacific experts and officials noted that China’s remarkable success through high-quality opening up has given it a deep understanding of the importance of an open global economic system and the critical need to advance multilateral and win-win cooperation.
As a major country in the Asia-Pacific, China “has consistently adhered to a development path that aligns with APEC’s spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit,” said Woo Su-keun, director of the Institute of East Asian Studies of Korea.
“It is more important for countries to demonstrate strong leadership through concrete actions rather than words,” Woo said.
For Ong Chong Yi, executive director of the Malaysian think tank Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia-Pacific, China has opened its market to provide development opportunities for countries in the region, driving inclusive economic growth within the Asia-Pacific.
“At the same time, China actively supports infrastructure development in developing nations, enhancing connectivity and economic and social inclusivity across the region. These efforts create more opportunities for shared progress and prosperity,” he said.
To access this service, customers with any bank-issued VISA or Mastercard can withdraw cash directly at Ecobank branches across Rwanda. Joselyne Mutesi, Head of Digital Payments at Ecobank, explained that the service is designed to streamline transactions for individuals who often spend time searching for forex exchange services.
“As the world advances technologically, it’s crucial for banks to offer services that allow customers quick, convenient, and secure access to their funds. This service enables foreign currency withdrawals for clients with VISA or Mastercard accounts, regardless of where the account is held,” Mutesi stated.
The new service primarily provides US dollar withdrawals, given the currency’s widespread acceptance. Mutesi added, “We offer US dollars as they are widely used internationally and accepted by most businesses. Each individual may withdraw up to $5,000 per day.”
Ecobank emphasizes that the ability to withdraw foreign currency through POS and card services will be especially valuable for tourists and international business travelers. By making foreign currency more accessible, Ecobank aims to support seamless international transactions.
As a pan-African bank, Ecobank is committed to providing innovative digital solutions to its customers. Operating in 33 African countries, Ecobank has eight branches in Rwanda, including the Main Branch, Remera, Kigali Heights, Nyabugogo, Kicukiro, Chic, Huye, and Rusizi branches and its widely spread agency network.
The funding is an additional contribution to the €20 million pledged towards the end of 2022 under the European Peace Facility (EPF).
According to a statement from the EU Council, the new support will facilitate the acquisition of personal equipment and cover costs associated with the strategic airlift needed to sustain the Rwandan deployment in Cabo Delgado.
Rwandan troops began their deployment in July 2021 at the request of Mozambican authorities to assist in the fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado. Prior to their intervention, terrorist activities had claimed the lives of over 3,000 civilians and displaced more than 800,000 people.
Insecurity had also caused all development projects in insurgent-controlled areas to come to a halt.
Over the past three years, Rwandan security forces, in collaboration with Mozambique’s armed forces, have made significant progress in dismantling the Al Sunna Wa Jama (ASWJ) terrorist group from their strongholds in Mocimboa da Praia and Palma. This has enabled a considerable number of internally displaced persons to safely return to their homes.
Since 2021, Mozambique has also received military support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), although SADC forces began withdrawing in April 2024 as their mandate ended.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized that the presence of Rwandan Defence Force troops has been crucial in making progress, and their continued presence remains vital, especially following the recent withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
“This top-up measure is a testimony of the EU’s support to ‘African solutions for African problems’ and, as part of the global fight against terrorism, it will also serve EU interests in the region,” Borrell stated.
This additional support further complements the parallel assistance measure of €89 million for the Mozambican Armed Forces, who have previously been trained under the EU Training Mission (EUTM) Mozambique.
The European Peace Facility, established in March 2021, is designed to finance EU external actions with military or defense implications, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace, and enhancing international security and stability.
In particular, the EPF enables the EU to fund actions that strengthen the military and defense capabilities of third countries, as well as regional and international organizations.
The handover ceremony was held on November 15, 2024, at the bank’s headquarters in Kigali. Sayinzoga has been a member of the Board of Directors at Bank of Africa since 2021, contributing significantly to the bank’s strategic development. Ntaganda will remain a member of the board despite stepping down from the chairperson role.
Sayinzoga brings a wealth of experience in banking, having held various leadership roles throughout her career. Within the Bank of Africa, she has played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and spearheading innovative projects. Her extensive expertise positions her well to guide the bank in its next phase of growth.
In her new role, Sayinzoga is tasked with overseeing the implementation of strategies aligned with the bank’s vision and governance priorities. She aims to build on the solid foundation established by her predecessor, who helped position Bank of Africa as a prominent player in Rwanda’s financial market, especially through its technology-driven services.
After assuming her new responsibilities, Sayinzoga expressed her dedication to advancing the bank’s mission.
“The foundation has been established, and Bank of Africa is well-positioned for growth and poised to pursue an assertive market presence. I look forward to working with the management, board, and staff to make a meaningful impact on Rwanda’s financial sector,” she said.
Established in Rwanda in 2015, Bank of Africa – Rwanda is part of the larger Bank of Africa Group, which operates in 18 African countries and extends its reach to France and China. The group is headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco, and Dakar, Senegal.
With 14 branches across Rwanda—eight in Kigali and six in other provinces—Bank of Africa – Rwanda has solidified its reputation as a trusted financial partner, offering innovative and customer-focused banking solutions tailored to the Rwandan market.
Rwanda reported its first case of Marburg virus on September 27, 2024, primarily affecting healthcare workers attending to patients. A total of 66 cases were recorded, with 51 recoveries and 15 fatalities.
On November 15, the Ministry highlighted that 14 days had passed since the last new case was detected in the country, and it had been eight days since the final patient was discharged from the hospital.
Hospitals dedicated to treating Marburg cases have since been closed, and the Ministry confirmed that individuals who had been in contact with patients had completed their monitoring period.
Despite this milestone, authorities stressed that preventive measures remain active, with recovered patients still under medical observation to ensure public safety.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana recently announced that the Marburg outbreak in Rwanda is officially over.
However, he underlined the need for continued surveillance of bats identified as the virus’s source. He shared that the bats linked to the outbreak were located at a mining site near Kigali, and monitoring efforts have been extended to other caves nationwide.
Dr. Nsanzimana noted that advanced technologies are being employed to track these bats and prevent future outbreaks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) explained that an outbreak can only be declared officially over after a 42-day period without new cases, starting from the discharge of the last patient.
The Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) reported on November 16, 2024, that 33 days remain before Rwanda can confirm the virus is no longer present in the country.
These insights emerged during a virtual seminar organized by the Africa-China Review publication, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda.
The event, themed “24 Years of FOCAC: The Impact of China-Africa Cooperation,” was held on Thursday 14, November and explored the strategic achievements of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), highlighting its role as a model for South-South cooperation.
Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has become a cornerstone in China-Africa relations, facilitating cooperation through summits held every three years, alternating between China and African nations.
China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching a record 282.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, and expected to surpass $300 billion in 2035.
The latest summit, held in Beijing in September 2023, marked another milestone, with leaders from over 50 African nations joining Chinese President Xi Jinping and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to strengthen this evolving partnership.
During the summit, Xi called for elevating China-Africa relations to the level of “all-weather” strategic partnerships, a concept aimed at building a long-term, collaborative future for both regions.
To further solidify this commitment, President Xi pledged RMB 360 billion (approximately USD 50.7 billion) in financial support for Africa over the next three years.
These funds will support the implementation of 10 partnership action plans, to be implemented in the next three years, covering areas of; mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green development and common security.
At the seminar, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun affirmed China’s dedication to implementing FOCAC outcomes, expressing China’s commitment to “work with Rwanda and other African brothers and sisters to strengthen South-South cooperation.”
Amb. Wang emphasized China’s willingness to support Africa’s modernization efforts and the vision of a shared future.
Former Somalian Deputy Prime Minister currently serving as a parliamentarian, Mahdi Gulaid reflected on the transformative journey of FOCAC, noting that it represents a unique platform for inclusive growth.
He pointed out that, over the past 24 years, China’s involvement in Africa has spanned critical areas of development including infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
Gulaid noted, “This journey is a testament to what can be achieved when regions work together towards shared aspirations.”
The event also addressed China’s development-oriented initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and global security frameworks, which support Africa’s industrialization goals.
“China’s collaboration with Africa is rooted in mutual respect and has been instrumental in realizing Africa’s Agenda 2063,” Gulaid added. For instance, in Somalia, Chinese-built infrastructure, such as stadiums and hospitals, has contributed to local economic development.
Rwandan government representative Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, Pacific, and Middle East Affairs, characterized FOCAC as a platform for people-to-people collaboration across diplomacy, economy, and culture.
He commended the enduring partnership between Rwanda and China, which has fostered projects in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, supported by Chinese grants and concessional loans.
Since 2019, China’s investments in Rwanda have surpassed USD 1.2 billion, spanning key sectors like manufacturing, construction, and mining.
“Rwanda is committed to implementing FOCAC outcomes for the social and economic advancement of our people,” Rwanyagatare stated, emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration.
China’s contributions to Rwanda are further exemplified by projects like the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital, which will form part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK) and expand its capacity to 837 beds.
The two nations have also seen bilateral trade reach $ 550 million in 2023, with a notable 86.2% increase in Chinese imports from Rwanda.
Rwanyagatare expressed optimism about FOCAC’s role in strengthening Africa-China relations.
Mushahid Hussain, Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute, remarked that the modernization journeys of China and Africa have become essential components of global progress.
He observed that China’s approach to development, devoid of conditionalities, is based on “peaceful development, win-win cooperation, and inclusivity.”
Hussain praised the BRI as “the most significant global initiative of the 21st century,” advocating for Africa’s continued partnership with China.
Adding to this perspective, Dr. Wang Wen, Executive Dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, underscored the FOCAC summit’s impact on strengthening relations.
He highlighted China’s extensive infrastructure projects in Africa, where Chinese enterprises have constructed over 10,000 kilometers of railways, 100,000 kilometers of highways, and built or upgraded numerous ports, medical facilities, and schools.
Dr. Wang remarked, “The FOCAC platform promotes revolutionary development in history,” asserting that FOCAC and similar initiatives are catalysts for economic cooperation.
University of Rwanda lecturer Dr. Ismael Buchanan acknowledged that the China-Africa friendship is rooted in years of support and collaboration, recalling China’s assistance in critical times such as the post-independence era and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that China’s cooperation in human resources, education, and skill development has bridged the skills gap, benefiting more than 200 Rwandan students who have graduated from Chinese institutions.
“China’s support has been vital for Africa’s human resources development, and we are confident in this new chapter of our cooperation,” Buchanan said.
Mubarak Mugabo, a journalist working with Vision Group in Uganda, applauded the opportunities created through FOCAC, which have enabled many Africans, including himself, to pursue higher education in China. Mugabo completed his postgraduate studies at Peking University, an experience he described as transformative.
He further underscored China’s pivotal role in Uganda’s socio-economic development, particularly in addressing the country’s electricity challenges after independence. Through the construction of hydropower plants and the funding of various infrastructure projects, China has significantly boosted Uganda’s energy capacity.
“Uganda’s electricity generation capacity now stands at 2,000 megawatts, and half of this—1,000 megawatts—has been achieved with funding from China,” he explained. Mugabo also noted that Uganda exports electricity to neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kenya, with plans underway to extend exports to South Sudan.
Nigerian scholar Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Center for China Studies, argued that cooperation between China and Africa is key to building a shared future for humanity.
He stressed the importance of strengthening Africa’s domestic capacity through China’s support in infrastructure, suggesting that African nations leverage these opportunities to address strategic vulnerabilities and promote sustainable development.
Kenyan international relations expert Dr. Adhere Cavince reinforced this sentiment, describing China-Africa relations as “the model of South-South cooperation.”
He urged African countries to seek a deeper understanding of China’s development model to replicate some of its successes. However, he also recommended that African nations harmonize their development strategies to expedite regional transformation with the support of development partners.
As China and Africa continue to strengthen their ties, both regions remain committed to supporting each other in achieving their modernization goals.
He made this appeal in a statement following the conclusion of his weeklong mission to Rwanda, which took place from November 4 to 9, 2024.
His visit forms part of preparations for his regular biannual report to the United Nations Security Council.
During his stay, Prosecutor Brammertz held high-level discussions with key Rwandan officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, the Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service, Mr. Aimable Havugiyaremye, and the Prosecutor General, Angélique Habyarimana.
These meetings focused on reinforcing collaboration in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the atrocities committed three decades ago.
In collaboration with the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu, and Aegis Trust, Prosecutor Brammertz also spearheaded a series of high-level events in Kigali.
Aegis Trust is an international organization dedicated to preventing genocide, crimes against humanity, and mass atrocities across the globe.
These included a workshop for women community leaders, expert consultations on mediation for prevention, and an international conference on ethnicity and prevention. The initiatives aimed at developing actionable strategies to address challenges in genocide prevention globally.
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Despite significant progress in holding perpetrators accountable, Prosecutor Brammertz emphasized the pressing need to bring fugitive génocidaires to justice.
“Many perpetrators have been punished for their crimes. But there is still much more work to be done. It is our responsibility to work together to ensure that fugitive génocidaires no longer enjoy safe haven and impunity,” he stated.
There are still over 1,000 fugitive génocidaires around the world. Mr. Brammertz highlighted his Office’s ongoing efforts to locate these individuals and support prosecutions in multiple countries.
“In the last year, my Office has provided legal, evidentiary, investigative, and strategic assistance in response to more than 30 separate requests, including concerning ongoing investigations and prosecutions in Rwanda, France, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, and the United States of America.”
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The Prosecutor underscored the importance of international cooperation, pointing to the increased collaboration between the Office of the Prosecutor, Rwandan authorities, and justice systems in other countries.
“In addition, my Office has deepened our engagement with these and other partners, including by briefing the Eurojust Genocide Network and convening a trilateral meeting with the Prosecutor General of Rwanda and the Head of the French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecution Office,” he said.
Reflecting on the renewed momentum in Rwanda and internationally, he remarked, “It is evident that in Rwanda and elsewhere, there is a renewed urgency and dedication to achieving more justice for more victims and survivors of the Genocide.”
Brammertz highlighted that his Office is determined to provide national partners with the support and assistance they need to be successful in the courtroom and bring more génocidaires to account.
Through these collective efforts, the IRMCT aims to close the chapter of impunity and honor the memory of those who perished by delivering justice for the survivors and victims of the Genocide.
Elias Sithole, the head of South Africa’s National Disaster Management Center, declared a national disaster in an official notice dated Tuesday, citing the impact of the “severe weather.”
Disruptive rains, floods, strong winds and hail from Oct. 22 to 29 caused a significant impact in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Limpopo, North West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces, Sithole said.
The severe weather resulted in the loss of life, damage to property, infrastructure and the environment as well as the disruption of basic services, he said.
The storms and floods killed at least 10 people and displaced hundreds more in the Eastern Cape alone, according to local media reports.
“After assessing the magnitude and the severity… I classify the impact caused by this severe weather system in the areas listed as a national disaster,” Sithole stated.
The declaration of a national disaster will allow the national government to release funds to the affected provinces, enabling them to address the damage caused by the floods.
