At Nasrec, most of the media will be confined to Hall 5. As disappointing as that may be for some, it is a space that is truly exceptional, showcassing that South Africa – when it wants too – can put on a show, writes Muhammad Hussain.
Welcome to the greatest (political and economic) show on earth.
That is the sentiment from inside the G20 Leaders’ Summit media centre at Nasrec, Johannesburg.
“I have never seen anything like this in South Africa!” A local colleague says at the dining area, his plate filled with muffins and mini savoury treats. “I haven’t seen this affair anywhere in the world”.
“I barely finished my muffin and someone was already there to take my plate away,” another colleague gushed.
My lord, they must have spent a fortune on this!
He was referring to the army of waiters on hand who offer to clear up and offer a friendly smile. Eat your heart out, Michelin star restaurants.
Fridges were stacked with cold drinks, finger foods were piled up and restocked, and coffee stations dotted Hall 5 at Nasrec.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s instruction of keeping the media well fed is being carried out with aplomb.
A world-class media centre
With the backdrop of Soccer City – the famous Calabash stadium – the SA national police and Johannesburg Metro Police Department, who have been deployed in their full might (and, surprisingly, include the Amapanyaza) are friendly, kind, helpful and full of laughter.
They clearly brought out the fine china – from the Nyalas to JMPD’s Hippo (who knew they had that in Joburg).
Even when my card didn’t scan at the initial check point, the lady said: “Please move to this side, sir. That gentleman will help you.” Am I media or delegate, I thought.
Inside the 7 000m² hall, where the perimeter is covered in black draping, with perfect lighting, great sound and sense of occasion, it’s like entering a portal – away from the dark, depressing and deteriorating city of Johannesburg.
G20 branding, predominately in white and red with a Ma’am Esther Mahlungu-inspired print adding the flavour, fill your eyes in tasteful fashion. Proteas – SA’s national flower – dominate the dozens of flower arrangements in giant and small pots.
Approaching the entrance, another colleague is bright-eyed at the facial recognition technology that simply scans your face and grants you access. “Wow,” they exclaim.
TV screens as big as billboards, as multiple as the delegations and their entourage are everywhere – mainly showing the SABC, but also a multiplicity of other news channels.
The world’s media – and that is not an exaggeration – huddle in groups, with flags of G20 nations, including the US, strategically placed for the perfect video background.
Photographers, videographers, podcasters, writers, editors and social media walk up and down, huddle in groups, speak into cameras, talk on their phones, shoot images, write furiously on their laptops and tablets (and some on paper too).
Languages of the world punctuate air, the accents of a global village of journalists, broadcasters and “political influencers” is an auditory feast. Analysts and communication specialists are also roaming around excitably chitter-chattering away.
Broadcasters in their makeshift studios, with their bright lights and raised platforms dominate the space. While rows and rows of prefabricated booths line the back of the hall.
In the front, the branded South Africa 2025 G20 stage is set. This is where media briefings are expected to happen. The South African flag coupled with the UN flag – from last night’s opening remarks by UN boss António Guterres – flank on either side of the transparent podium.
From the stage facing down, rows of tables with plug-points (placed at a perfect arms-length) are where media furiously scribble, and the main cameras on their raised platforms jut out.
It is a hive of activity.
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Less than 200 metres away, Deputy President Paul Mashatile is receiving world leaders. But only official media are allowed into that area. The images are beamed by the host broadcaster on those billboard TVs.
And then the electricity in the plug-points go out.
But, in true world-class fashion, power is restored within 40 minutes.
A neat metaphor for a country determined to keep the lights on when it matters.
If the media centre is anything to go by, South Africa – the first African country to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit – has delivered.
On the opening day, the media area – where the majority will be confined – is professional, outstanding and excellent.
Flowers must be given, congratulations.
