The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) revealed that “G20” topped the list as the most frequently used word in South Africa in 2025. This finding was a result of an analysis conducted by PanSALB in collaboration with a media research company, which highlighted the prevalence of “G20” across various media platforms. South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Leaders’ Summit and its presidency in 2025 contributed significantly to the prominence of this term.
The PanSALB selection process, based on authentic language usage, identified “Government of National Unity” and “Tariffs” as the second and third most common terms, respectively. These terms reflected significant political events, international interactions, and socioeconomic discussions that influenced the country throughout the year. The analysis emphasized the impact of key terminology on shaping public discourse and awareness in South Africa.
During the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit hosted by South Africa, global leaders reached a consensus on critical issues such as disaster resilience, debt sustainability, and energy transitions. The G20 South Africa Summit’s Leaders’ Declaration, adopted at the summit, addressed the challenges posed by frequent disasters and the need for enhanced disaster resilience strategies. The declaration highlighted the importance of inclusive approaches and emphasized the urgency of addressing energy access disparities, particularly in African regions lacking electricity infrastructure.
