South Africa's G20 Priorities and Initiatives Take Center Stage

As South Africa continues its term as president of the Group of 20 (G20), several key initiatives and events are unfolding across the nation, highlighting the country's commitment to international cooperation and domestic development. From economic strategies to social development and environmental concerns, South Africa is actively addressing a range of critical issues.

G20 Sherpa Meeting Focuses on Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability

The second meeting of the G20 Sherpas, chaired by South Africa’s Sherpa Zane Dangor, is set to take place virtually on April 3 and 4, 2025. The overarching theme for this session is “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” building upon the discussions from the first Sherpa meeting held in Sandton, Johannesburg, in December 2024. These meetings, described by Dangor as “very successful” and “robust,” serve as crucial platforms for coordinating the G20 process and analyzing issues relevant to the intergovernmental forum. The opening session will be streamed on G20 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.

Minister George Acknowledges Coal's Dominance in Electricity Generation

Dr. Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, has acknowledged the latest data from the Ember Electricity Data Explorer, which indicates that coal accounted for 74.31% of South Africa's electricity generation in January 2025. This data point underscores the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding South Africa's energy mix and its transition to more sustainable sources.

Gadija Brown Appointed as Special Economic Advisor

In a move to bolster economic advisory capabilities, the Office of the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, has announced the appointment of Gadija Brown, formerly the MEC for Finance in the Free State, as his Special Economic Advisor. This appointment is expected to bring valuable expertise to the Deputy President's office, aiding in the formulation and implementation of economic policies.

Gauteng Aims to Secure R300 Billion in Investment Pledges

Gauteng Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile has announced ambitious plans to secure at least R300 billion in investment pledges at the Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC), scheduled to take place at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in Sandton on April 3, 2025. The conference will feature leaders from various levels of government, including Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau, Gauteng Premier Lesufi, and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address.

With over 50 companies represented, the GIC aims to be a convergence point for major global companies, facilitating dialogue between policymakers, investors, and industry experts. Key sectors of focus include advanced manufacturing, green and renewable energy, ICT and data infrastructure, transport and logistics, smart property development and urban regeneration, as well as tourism and the creative economy.

Maile emphasized the importance of Gauteng's economy, which contributes 33% to the national GDP and nearly 7% of sub-Saharan Africa’s output. He stated that investment in Gauteng extends beyond provincial borders, benefiting the broader Southern African Development Community and the continent.

Africa Children’s Summit to Amplify Children's Voices

More than 1000 children from across Africa are set to participate in the 2nd Biennial Africa Children’s Summit, hosted by South Africa through the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. The summit will take place at St John’s College in Parktown, Johannesburg, from April 4-7, 2025.

Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe confirmed that 17 of the 54 African states have confirmed participation. The summit aims to promote child-centered dialogue, empower children as agents of change, and ensure inclusive and equitable participation. Aligned with the African Union (AU) Agenda 2040 and the Bogotá 2024 Global Commitment to Ending Violence Against Children, the summit seeks to address critical issues such as democracy, emerging technologies, climate change, inclusive education, and gender-based violence.

The summit will feature a blend of plenaries, panels, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events, with hybrid components to enhance accessibility. Special attention will be given to the inclusion of children with disabilities, with approximately 50 such children participating. The State Security Agency has conducted thorough security vetting of caregivers to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.