NATIONAL NEWS - Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says South Africa’s G20 Presidency is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the global discourse, and to place the lived experiences of Africans at the centre of that discourse.

“This is a momentous role for our country, Africa and all the developing world that is home to the majority of the poor and rural communities,” Morolong said.

Speaking at the G20 Social Dialogue with the community of Frankfort in the Free State, Morolong explained that the G20 is a forum of the world’s 20 largest economies. 

South Africa's G20 Presidency theme is 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'. The G20 Summit will be held on 22 – 23 November in Johannesburg.

“Together, these nations shape decisions on global economic policy, trade, public health, climate change, digital development and many other aspects of our socio-economic life,” Morolong said.

Morolong said decisions taken at the G20 meeting are not theoretical.

“They influence the price of food, the level of investment in infrastructure, the availability of employment and the resources allocated to education and technology. When these countries meet, they are not just debating statistics; they are determining the conditions under which you will live, learn and work,” he said.

The Deputy Minister said South Africa’s G20 Presidency is not only about global visibility or prestige, but it is about aligning the agenda of global cooperation with the priorities of communities. 

“We have deliberately chosen a theme that reflects our national values and historical journey solidarity, equality and sustainability. These words are not just guiding principles for international diplomacy; they are urgent necessities for our everyday lives. 

“Through solidarity, we imagine a world where nations and peoples stand together, especially in moments of crisis. We have seen through pandemics, economic downturns, and climate shocks that what happens in one part of the world affects us all,” Morolong said.

Morolong said South Africans know very well that unless they actively work to reduce inequality, the benefits of growth and development will continue to bypass and leave millions of people behind.

“Whether it is the inequality between rural and urban areas, between the wealthy and the poor, or between those who are digitally connected and those who are not, these gaps must be deliberately and decisively closed,” Morolong said.

Morolong said South Africa’s G20 Presidency has prioritised several areas of focus, all of which intersect with the realities people, especially young South Africans, face.

“Among the most urgent is the transformation of our digital economy. Access to the internet and its enormous capability to digitally connect people over vast distances is not a luxury. It is a gateway to education, employment, civic engagement and innovation,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong said in order to ensure that no one is left behind, the universal, affordable and meaningful connectivity must be treated as a basic right.

“Under the G20 Digital Economy Working Group, we are championing universal broadband access, digital skills development and inclusive data policies. We are advocating for investment in digital public infrastructure platforms and systems that allow citizens to access government services efficiently and securely using digital tools.

“Equally important is our commitment to ensuring that artificial intelligence, data governance, and emerging technologies work in the public interest. 

“Technology must serve people and not exploit or exclude them. We are pushing for ethical standards that prevent bias in algorithms, protect privacy, and ensure that African data is used to develop tools that reflect our realities and languages,” he said.

South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024, marking the start of the fourth successive Global South Presidency, the first presidency by an African state, and the second year of the African Union’s full membership. – SAnews.gov.za

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