Portfolio Committee on International Relations chairperson Supra Mahumapelo has urged the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) to ensure that South Africans have a better understanding of the country’s G20 presidency, announcing launches of a people-centred oversight mechanism for international relations in Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng.

The aim of the people-centred oversight mechanism is to create a platform of participation in international relations policies for ordinary South Africans.

The committee seeks to ensure that the new mechanism becomes a practical means for ordinary South Africans to join Parliament for meaningful and valuable engagement on international issues.

Mahumapelo explained that the mechanism should now become a strategic place for education about South Africa’s presidency of the G20.

South Africa assumed the G20 presidency in December, and will hold it until November 30, making it the first African country to preside over the G20.

Mahumapelo noted that the committee had completed the introduction and the first phase of involving people at local, ward, district and provincial levels for their direct participation in matters related to international relations.

He urged Dirco to act as a catalyst to ensure that the launches translated into the real involvement of the people in these matters.

“…the department will ensure that developments regarding trade and other agreements that are entered into between South Africa and the rest of our trading partners are understood by the people on the ground,” he said.

He said the committee was optimistic about the success of the people-centred oversight mechanism in achieving its objectives and ensuring that ordinary people understood the value of trade agreements from the perspective of economic-growth opportunities and that it translated into their direct participation in the economy to push back the frontiers of poverty.

The Gauteng leg of the launch of the people-centred oversight mechanism for international relations was attended by various organisations and individuals expressing their support.

The committee will continue with its launches of the programme in the remaining six provinces.

“It is in the interest of the committee to ensure that every citizen understands and appreciates the activities undertaken by the executive internationally on behalf of South Africa. Ordinary South Africans should understand the involvement of South Africa in Southern African Development Community, African Union, United Nations, the Commonwealth, and BRICS among others,” Mahumapelo explained.