Sg20promise. Many agree
Sg20promise. Many agree that Africa is the next frontier of global growthand productivity. The African continent has an unrivalled naturalresource endowment with the youngest population of all continents.Africa continues to be an expanding market for goods andservices. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has thepotential to change the economic and social fortunes of the continent.We will seek G20 support for the AfCFTA Adjustment Fund that willenhance inclusive growth, sustainability and regional integration.We will look to consolidate various G20 initiatives related toAfrica into a flagship agreement for cooperation focused onimplementation of investments in productive sectors in Africain areas such as infrastructure. An infrastructure revolution ispropelling Africa’s growth.We seek investments in the development of skills for Africa’s youthand the economic empowerment of its women. In the health sectorwe would want the G20 to support the production of pharmaceuticalproducts such as therapeutics and vaccines to deal with pandemics.The digitisation of the continent to enhance trade and developmentis a key enabler. Through its G20 presidency, South Africa is wellpositionedto advance global cooperation and build partnerships forgrowth and development. South Africa has a rich history of inclusivedialogue and common action.Over the last few years, the South African government has beenworking closely with social partners in business and in labour toaddress key national challenges and drive inclusive growth. Thiscooperative culture and approach were taken to a higher level withthe establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU)following the elections held in May 2024. The GNU, made up of 10political parties, has been vital to stability and inclusive governance,and has contributed to greater interest among investors in SouthAfrica’s economic prospects.The seeds of human progress were sown in Africa. In Africa, theearliest forms of cooperation were forged and developed. As theleaders of the G20 return to Africa, we make a call that we all harnessthese essential capabilities that will make us take action to build abetter and fairer world.Acting together, we should build an inclusive, just and equal worldin which all may prosper, leaving no one and no country behind. SThe rights and freedomsof one people cannotbe separated from therights and freedoms ofall peoples.12 | Service magazine
g20SSouth Africa’s collective approach tothe G20 presidencyThe disparity between the haves and have-nots calls for a collaborative approach that bringseveryone together in a united effort to tackle the global challenges that impact all mankind.OOur country is known to bring people togethertowards finding solutions that benefits all. Ourhistory shows that we are a nation that finds eachother even against insurmountable odds. Not eventhe malignant apartheid system could prevent theunrelenting march of South Africans to democracy,freedom and reconciliation. We succeeded indefeating one of history’s most evil systems despitepredictions by some that we would fail.Since the birth of our democracy in 1994, wehave worked to advance our society and thoughthere have been challenges, we have faced themtogether, secure in the knowledge that SouthAfricans always find a way. We believe thereforethat we have a lot to offer the nations of the worldas South Africans. Our solutions are rooted inthe spirit of ubuntu, solidarity, peace, equality,justice and fairness. While these have notalways found traction in a polarised world, it is clearthe world is in search for new ways to deal withpressing challenges.Over the course of our G20 presidency, ourcountry will foster collaboration among G20members and wider society to address pressingglobal issues and find sustainable solutions thatprioritise the wellbeing of all people. Our approachhas therefore inspired our G20 presidency theme of“Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.We are driving an inclusive approach because weunderstand that decisions taken by the G20 havea direct impact on the lives of all members of theglobal community. G20 members together accountfor around 85% of global gross domestic productand 75% of international trade.As we work together with G20 members and buildpartnerships across society, we seek to harness ourcollective capabilities towards more rapid, inclusiveand economic growth. Through our joint effort wecan build a more just and equal world as well as avertthe worst effects of climate change.South Africa will ensure a broad-church approachin our G20 presidency by expanding dialogueswith international organisations and civil societyso that we can collectively shape how the G20addresses pertinent issues. We see the participationof civil society as part of our overall commitmentto work towards a broader and more inclusiveG20 presidency.In this regard, we will convene engagement groupsof business, labour, civil society, parliamentary bodies,the judiciary, science bodies, think tanks, auditinstitutions, institutions of higher learning andspecific groups for women, youth and the vulnerable.These groups will undertake their own independentprocesses to form opinions on issues that impactthem and wider society.South Africa also intends to support the creationof a new engagement group, the Township20, orTS20. This will highlight the creative, cultural,financial and innovative capacities of South Africa’stownship economies. We will also follow theapproach of the Brazilian presidency on the G20Social Forum that brought together representativesof the existing engagement groups and othersegments of civil society.South Africa firmly believes that civil society servesas a bridge between the G20 leaders and the peoplewho have the greatest interest in their deliberations.Moreover, their experience and grassroots knowledgewill greatly enrich the G20’s collective discussions andpolicy decisions.The recommendations by engagement groupswill be presented to foreign ministers at the financeand central bank ministerial meetings. We alsoexpect their recommendations from their extensiveconsultations to be presented to the Leaders’ Summitin November 2025.Our approach ensures we take on board differentperspectives, including those which may not beideologically aligned to ours, to confer greaterlegitimacy to the G20 as an organisation and to theoutcomes of the Leaders’ Summit in 2025. S*Dr Ntombifuthi Nala is Acting Chief Director: ResearchAnalysis and Knowledge Services at GCIS.Service magazine | 13
