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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, has called on the government to go out of its way and make South Africa’s G20 Presidency meaningful to South Africans.

The committee welcomed South Africa being trusted with the responsibility of sitting at the helm of the G20 group of countries. Mr Mahumapelo said: “Our Presidency of the G20 block should not be ceremonial and an honour but be influential in our diplomatic work. The G20 is a significant block of economies that if well-manipulated could yield serious results for the country on both the foreign direct investment as well as diplomatic relations. Our government should go out of the way and adequately exploit this opportunity, which rarely happens.”

South Africa took over the G20 Presidency from Brazil and has planned a host of activities. The G20 block is a strong multilateral trade block constituted of the fast-emerging economies, as well as the European Commission and the African Union.

Mr Mahumapelo said the committee will demand regular updates on the activities the country is doing to prepare for the summit to be held in 2025, and how those preparations translate into real benefit for South Africa.

He said South Africans died in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism to see South Africa take its rightful place among the countries of the world and that objective is accomplished. When we get the recognition and being tasked with such responsibilities as hosting serious multilateral summits and as leading peace initiatives in the world, is a good sign that the country is going in the right direction.

He said G20 Presidency was a huge vote of confidence in the country’s approach to foreign policy. South Africa is the first African country to host the G20 Presidency.

Issued by the Parliamentary communication Services on behalf of the chairperson of the portfolio committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo