South Africa

South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 is a first for the African continent and provides a platform for the African continent’s voice to be better heard, writes Neo Semono.

A few weeks ago, on 01 December 2024, South Africa took over the Group of 20 baton from its fellow BRICS sister country Brazil. 

While the G20 is an international forum of developed and developing countries seeking  solutions to the globe’s economic and financial issues, I, like many others, feel a sense of pride knowing that an event of such magnitude is to be held on African soil come next November, and that South Africa now holds the Presidency of this enormous global body and forum.

We will certainly make the world proud, just as we have done with other global events like the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, BRICS, the World Conference Against Racism, and the World Economic Forum (WEF) Africa, to name a few. 

The United States of America, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China and India are some of the member countries of the G20 that was founded in 1999 as an informal forum. 

The respected forum began its life following the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998. The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the most important industrialised and developing economies met to discuss international economic and financial stability.

In its earlier days, the forum focused on macroeconomic issues but has since expanded its agenda to include trade, health and climate change, among others. 

The G20 members represent 85% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it may hold true that having the Presidency held by an African country, could work favourably to help African countries win the ear of the developed world - in turn helping the continent achieve its objectives of tackling economic growth, ending poverty and mitigating climate change, among others.

From the bat, South Africa as the only African country forming part of the G20, has been vocal about bringing African issues to the G20 agenda. 

During Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to South Africa recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa “will place Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South firmly on the G20 agenda.”

“We will seek to galvanise support for the AU’s Agenda 2063, as we pursue an inclusive global agenda,” the President said in his talks with his West African counterpart.

Agenda 2063 is the African Union’s (AU) development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period. Among its goals is to have a high standard of living, quality of life and well-being for all citizens, as well as the African continent taking full responsibility for financing her development.

The President’s remarks are intrinsic to the core of South Africa’s DNA of seeking inclusivity, not only within her peoples, but with the people of the world too. 

Realising that just as no person is an island, no country is an island, and the President has said that the country would support Nigeria’s quest to become part of the G20. 

This after the AU joined the European Union (EU) in becoming the second regional body to form part of the group in September 2023.

In assuming the Presidency of the G20 under the theme:  “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”  - South Africa has hit the ground running having hosted the first Sherpa meeting on 9 and 10 December.

For those like myself who have to become acquainted with the new buzz words – Sherpas are responsible for taking the discussions and agreements made during G20 meetings held ahead of the summit, to Heads of State and Government at the final Leaders’ Summit, next year. 

South Africa’s Sherpa is the Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Zane Dangor, who is supported by Sous-Sherpas, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo and Advocate Nokukhanya Jele.  Sous-Sherpas are senior officials who support a Sherpa in preparing for the Summit – think sous-chef. 

Dangor described the meeting as “very successful, robust and inclusive”.

The purpose of the G20, what has been achieved, as well as what has not been achieved were among the issues on the table at the meeting.

If anything, the meeting was a clear indication that the forum is not a window dressing exercise but a frank assessment of issues under the microscope and finding solutions to the challenges at hand.

With only a few weeks into the Presidency of the G20, South Africa is not sleeping on the job, but has hit the ground running. 
It will take all sectors of society to make this Presidency a success. Let our ubuntu, the scenery of our beautiful country, frankness to speak our mind, and the ability to find solutions to challenges come to the fore. We ought to do it for ourselves and future generations.

Like we as a nation, had made an impact on all who graced our land in 2010 - let us make a similar, if not bigger impact on those who will grace our land next November. It will be time for us as a nation to showcase our sparkly spirit again to the world! And leave them coming back for more- SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za