South Africa’s G20 Presidency is about unlocking new opportunities for all, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli said.
“As government, we believe that the G20 is for the people. We are using this platform to push for inclusive growth, industrialisation, youth employment, closing the gap and harnessing the potential of technology,” Mhlauli said.
Speaking to students at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, the Deputy Minister said the country will use its Presidency of the G20 to build a more inclusive and prosperous Africa and a better world, ensuring that no one is left behind.
“As students, you should not stand aside, the G20 is also for you. We need your participation, we need your ideas,” she said.
WATCH | Deputy Minister addresses students
She added that the message that government is taking to the world is that South Africa is open for business, rich in talent and determined to reduce inequality while building prosperity.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency is meant to benefit everyone including the youth.
“South Africa’s G20 Presidency is important for the country as that will serve as an opportunity to show [that] as a country we are able to lead and will use the opportunity to speak for everyone not only South Africans.”
The Deputy Minister thanked the students for availing themselves for Friday’s dialogue adding that their attendance shows interest in the G20.
“As government we believe that the G20 meetings should be held in all the corners of the country to get everyone involved.”
Mhlauli said the G20 meetings will continue throughout the country until the Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, in November.
Student involvement
In her welcoming remarks, the university’s Professor and Vice-Chancellor, Rushiella Songca emphasised the importance of students participation in G20 activities which includes meetings.
“As students you must engage in G20 conversations. You must also have an understanding of South Africa’s G20 Presidency and what it means. I am excited to see the excitement you are showing in the G20,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Government Communication and Information System’s (GCIS) Chief Director for Cluster Communication, David Jocobs emphasised the important of student’s participation in the G20.
“We want students to participate, we want to hear from students what they would want to see happening,” he said adding that the contribution of students will be taken to the Summit in November.
Students at the university said they were keen to learn about the G20.
“I am here to learn more about the G20 and how am I going to benefit from the Summit and what it means for the ordinary people out there,” final year Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) student, Anele Mabandla said.
Mziwoxolo Nziyende told SAnews that he is happy that young people are given an opportunity to participate in the G20 meetings.
“As young people we have a lot to contribute in improving people’s lives and our country. As academics, we have ideas and roles to play in all aspects,” he said.
Prior to the dialogue with students, the Deputy Minister engaged with the university’s senior management and also visited exhibitions as well as the campus radio station.
South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 01 December 2024, marking a historic milestone as the first African country to lead this influential group of the world’s largest economies.
The G20 comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States.
The G20 is expected to have significant economic benefits for South Africa, notably for the tourism, transport, restaurant, entertainment and hospitality industries, with global visibility in all nine provinces. – SAnews.gov.za
