South African President Cyril Rampahosa prepares to make a historic move under his tenure as South Africa prepares for Africa’s first G20 meeting to be held in the next 100 days
The G20 Leaders’ Summit according to reports will be held in Johannesburg – the largest ciity in South Africa with all preparations being in made in full swing.
South Africa’s G20 presidency is approaching its climax, with 87 out of 132 G20 meetings across both Sherpa and Finance tracks already in the books. The remaining ministerial meetings in September will set the tone for the Johannesburg Leaders’ Declaration, anchored on “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” This agenda-driven framework aims to help set the global economic focus for the summit.
Key issues on the table include global inequality and sovereign debt burdens. To address this, President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a G20 taskforce, chaired by Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz, to examine wealth disparities and propose actionable remedies.
Reports however remain unclear regarding U.S President Donald Trump’s attendance in wake of a feud between the two countries.
Trump is believed to send a representative instead.
Despite this, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola reiterated that South Africa’s invitation stands. “We will proceed with the G20 Leaders’ Summit with or without President Trump. It’s an unpredictable situation,” he said, offering South Africa’s flexibility amid diplomatic friction.
