International relations

South Africa will witness yet another milestone during the G20 Summit as we draw thousands of global leaders, media, and delegates, providing both a diplomatic milestone and a major opportunity to showcase our country’s tourism offerings.

The gathering of world leaders and delegates is an opportunity for us to showcase our unique tourism offerings. We have also worked to ensure that economic opportunities associated with the Summit and the many lead up meetings are extended to small and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

The commemoration of Africa Month in May, and particularly Africa Day on 25 May, remains a pivotal moment for the African continent to showcase its cultural heritage, economic potential, and pan-African spirit to the world.

The eyes of the world are firmly focused on South Africa as President of the G20 and the host nation of the G20 Summit in November. This gathering will see the country welcoming over 40 global heads of state to our shores. The G20 accounts for 85 percent of the global economy, 75 percent of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

The summit will be held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, which aligns with our vision of inclusive growth, where all individuals and nations benefit from economic progress.

South Africa’s assumption to the Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024 comes at a time when the world is facing a number of critical challenges that threaten to widen the gap between developed and less developed nations.

The disparity between the haves and have nots calls for a collaborative approach that brings everyone together in a united effort to tackle the global challenges that impact all mankind.

There was a time when the story of Africa was told by voices outside the continent who looked at our continent through a tainted lens. However, this has changed and Africans are now proudly sharing our own stories of development and triumph.

The right to adequate housing in South Africa is enshrined in our Constitution. The Constitution obliges the state to take reasonable steps to ensure that this basic human right becomes a lived reality.

This right has also been enforced through our courts in the Grootboom case where it specified that priority should be given to those who live in extreme conditions of poverty, homelessness or intolerable housing.

South Africa has the second longest coastline on the African continent and spans two oceans. This prime geo position is at the heart of international shipping with more than 30 000 ships sailing around the country every year. The route links Asia to the East Coast of South America and the East and West coasts of Africa. 

Our founding fathers of the African Union understood that for Africa to rise to its full potential Africans must forge a united front. They saw Africa’s future intrinsically linked to the success of each nation on the continent. 

The auto-manufacturing sector has emerged as one of the sectors that stands to benefit from the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that holds the potential to revitalise the continent.

It is estimated that by 2035 Africa shall require five billion units of vehicles and our continent has the potential to manufacture both the finished products and automotive components.

The term African Solutions to African Problems was first coined by Ghanaian political economist George Ayittey in the early 90s. At the time the posture of the international community was to seek to impose several unworkable solutions to challenges on the continent.