President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana as acting president while he embarks on a series of international visits this week. Godongwana will assume the role from 21 to 27 October 2025, overseeing the affairs of state in Ramaphosa’s absence.
His appointment follows that of Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, who recently served as acting president during Ramaphosa’s trip to New York.
A veteran member of the African National Congress (ANC), Godongwana has held several key positions within the party and government, including serving as Deputy Minister between 2009 and 2012 under former President Jacob Zuma.
He was elected to the ANC’s National Executive Council in 1997 and has remained a prominent figure in national leadership.
The decision to appoint Godongwana comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile takes leave during the same period.
Ramaphosa’s international itinerary began in Indonesia on 22 October for a working visit, followed by stops in Vietnam from 23 to 24 October and Malaysia from 24 to 27 October.
In Kuala Lumpur, he is expected to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit, where global leaders will engage in discussions on the role of Asian nations in an increasingly multipolar world.
The president will conclude his travels with a working visit to Switzerland from 29 to 30 October, focusing on strengthening South Africa’s economic and diplomatic ties.
According to the Presidency, the visits are aimed at expanding trade and investment opportunities while reinforcing South Africa’s relationships with key international partners.
These engagements also form part of preparations for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, which South Africa will host for the first time on African soil. The summit is set to take place in Johannesburg on 22 and 23 November 2025.
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