South Africa assumed the Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency on 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2025, the nation has an opportunity to influence the global agenda.
This is the first time the Presidency will be held in Africa, and South Africa aims to refocus global attention on the social, economic and environmental dimensions of development in the economies of Africa and the Global South.
Established in 1999, the G20 is a 25-year-old international forum of both developing and developed countries that addresses global economic and financial issues. It comprises 19 countries and two regional organisations, namely European Union and the recent addition of the African Union in 2023.
Its member countries shape the economies of different countries and provide global architecture in governance. With a mandate to tackle major international economic issues, the G20 has the capacity to set standards across trade, climate policy, development, and more.
This G20 Presidency goes beyond ceremonial duties; it is a platform to drive societal transformation, foster innovation, and address critical domestic and international challenges facing member countries. South Africa’s vision for its G20 Presidency is a world that is people-centred, development-orientated and inclusive.
On the international stage, South Africa has a chance to redefine its narrative—not just as a participant in global governance, but as a leader capable of uniting other global leaders by reinvigorating and strengthening multilateralism and fostering consensus that shapes our collective future.
The G20 Presidency is more than a platform for dialogue; it highlights how nations can shape the future in the face of shared challenges.
In an effort to rally South Africans and create awareness about the opportunities abound by the G20 Presidency, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola recently hosted a G20 community outreach at Mahlale High School in Acornhoek, Ehlanzeni, Mpumalanga. The event was attended by the general public, senior government officials and ambassadors of foreign diplomatic missions with the aim of garnering support from South Africans.
Minister Lamola urged the Ehlanzeni community in attendance to take advantage of the country’s G20 Presidency. According to Minister Lamola, the Presidency presents member nations with an opportunity to shape global policies while addressing domestic challenges such as unemployment, promoting tourism, and driving societal progress through innovative approaches.
Also attending the outreach event was Moses Leso, a bus driver for a national tour bus operator, who shared his expectations on the G20 Presidency. “I am hoping that the planned hosting of over 130 G20 related meetings, across all nine provinces, should boost the country’s economic growth and job creation through tourism and foreign investment, which our country badly needs”.
Drawing on the experiences of China, Russia, India, and Brazil who have previously held this important title, the G20 Presidency has the potential to positively impact host societies through initiatives aimed at driving economic growth, advancing social development, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Brazil recently handed over the reins to South Africa as it held the G20 Presidency from December 2023 until 30 November 2024.
One of the key areas that Brazil advocated for during its Presidency was social equity and environmental sustainability. The G20 Presidency presented Brazil a chance to address domestic challenges like poverty, inequality and deforestation.
Because of the opportunities offered by the G20 Presidency, Brazil can potentially attract international investment by promoting a green economy and sustainable agricultural practices, directly benefiting its rural and indigenous populations.
Brazil also reinforced its regional leadership by advocating for economic cooperation and debt relief for developing nations, which possibly strengthened its socio-economic framework while amplifying its influence on the global stage.
As South Africa steps into the G20 Presidency, the nation needs to seize this opportunity to drive global change. This leadership role empowers South Africa to shape policies on trade, climate, and development, while also addressing domestic challenges.
The symbol of our G20 Presidency is our national flower, the magnificent King Protea, which has a rare ability to regenerate. It is a symbol of renewal, resilience and hope. It symbolises South Africa’s intention to deliver a positive and solution-driven G20 Presidency.
With a focus on solidarity, equality and sustainability, the G20 Presidency offers a platform for South Africa to not only elevate its global status, showcase its abundant natural beauty, but to potentially unite nations to forge a more representative, sustainable and equitable international order.
Tshepo Nkosi is the Managing Editor for Vuk’uzenzele newspaper.
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