South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana as acting president from 21 to 27 October 2025, while he undertakes a series of state visits abroad. Godongwana steps in as Deputy President Paul Mashatile is on leave during this period.
Godongwana’s appointment follows the recent designation of Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga as acting head of state during Ramaphosa’s trip to New York. This ensures continuity of leadership while the president is overseas.
Ramaphosa will start his international engagements in Indonesia on 22 October, followed by visits to Vietnam from 23 to 24 October and Malaysia from 24 to 27 October, where he will attend the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. He will conclude his travels with a working visit to Switzerland from 29 to 30 October.
The presidency emphasized that these visits aim to strengthen bilateral relations and prepare South Africa for the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on 22–23 November 2025, the first time the summit is hosted on African soil.