Flurry of engagement during SA's G20 presidency
This is under the theme Living Values: Enabling Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainable Development.
The country will present its vision for values-based leadership, highlighting dignity, ethical governance and equity, to address the nation's social and economic challenges effectively.
According to Dr Dumisani Magadlela says V20 brings ubuntu and values of humanise into the centre of doing business globally.
"We can't have economic growth if we are not moving together." he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Mail & Guardian
Born Free: Does South Africa need Starlink? – With Kuhle Maseko
🎙️ This week on Born Free — Khumo Kumalo and Otsile Nkadimeng sit down with Kuhle Maseko , DA member and co-host of State of the Nation , for an unfiltered, no-holds-barred conversation. 🚀 From Starlink landing in SA to the cracks in BEE and transformation policy , and the storm brewing over the BELA Bill , we ask the question no one wants to touch: 👉 When do we actually declare Apartheid over ? Is 'freedom' just a date in 1994, or is it still a work in progress? Are we chasing equality or equity ? And what does 'real change' look like to a generation that's only ever known democracy? No spin. No fluff. Just the raw conversations South Africa needs. 🎧 Tune in now — it's personal, political, and powerful. #BornFreePodcast #SouthAfrica #Transformation #StarlinkSA #BEEDebate #BELABill #EquityVsEquality #PostApartheid #KuhleMaseko #DA #StateOfTheNation #YouthVoices Khumo Kumalo is the visionary behind Misunderstood and the dynamic co-host of Born Free . Named one of the Mail & Guardian's Top 200 Young South Africans of 2024 , he is a bold voice in the country's evolving political discourse. As the author of Newsletter 94 (formerly Misunderstood), Kumalo delves into South Africa's complex history and shifting political landscape, reflecting on the dreams and realities of a post-apartheid nation. His passion for debate and current affairs was ignited at St John's College , later taking him to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia , where he continued to sharpen his perspective on leadership and social change. Kumalo isn't just asking questions—he's challenging narratives, sparking conversations, and pushing South Africa's youth to rethink what it truly means to be Born Free . Otsile Nkadimeng is a published author, policy writer, and changemaker , balancing his role as a second-year university student with a deep commitment to youth empowerment. Recognized by News24 for his impact and awarded the Young Nelson Mandela Award in 2023 , he is shaping conversations on democracy, governance, and sustainability. As the Executive Director of SoWeVote , a platform he co-founded, Nkadimeng is making it easier for young South Africans to access critical information about politics and democracy. His advocacy extends beyond borders—he serves as a Youth Advisor to the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria and is a fellow at the International Youth Think Tank , where he contributes to global youth policy discussions. Passionate about sustainability, he has co-founded and led multiple initiatives aimed at environmental and social progress across South Africa. Whether in civic engagement, international diplomacy, or grassroots activism, Nkadimeng is at the forefront of youth-led change, proving that young voices aren't just part of the conversation—they're leading it. Disclaimer: 'Born Free' is an opinion-based podcast and does not represent the views of M&G Media (PTY) LTD, its owners, affiliates, employees, or partners. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not reflect the editorial stance of the Mail & Guardian.
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Ramaphosa and Trump to discuss trade relations at G7 Summit
Mashudu Sadike | Published 2 weeks ago President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Canada this weekend. The meeting will focus on key issues, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and US-SA tariffs. Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump comes after South Africa submitted a revised framework proposal to the US, aiming to expand trade and investment relations between the two countries. The US imposed tariffs on South African imports in April, with a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs of 30% against South African exports. The tariffs were part of a broader set of 'liberation day' tariffs imposed by Trump on all US trading partners. However, they were later reduced to a base rate of 10%, with the expectation that countries would use the 90 days to propose solutions addressing the US's trade deficit concerns. Ramaphosa's meeting with Trump will be his second in about three weeks, following their tense encounter at the White House last month. During their previous meeting, Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of the US's role in the G20 Summit and invited Trump to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg later this year. Trump agreed to attend, and Ramaphosa sees this as a positive development for bilateral relations. According to sources close to Ramaphosa, the meeting agenda will include discussions on AGOA, providing duty-free access to the US market for some African products. The agreement is set to expire in September, and South Africa is eager to see it renewed. Ramaphosa will also raise concerns about US-SA tariffs, urging the US not to increase them beyond the current 10% if negotiations on a new trade framework are not concluded by July 9. The sources further said the meeting between Ramaphosa and Trump was significant, given the current state of US-SA trade relations. 'The business sector has expressed concerns about the rise of tariffs, and Ramaphosa is under pressure to come up with answers. A successful meeting could help to ease tensions and pave the way for improved trade relations between the two countries,' the source added. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya did not respond to questions as to what to expect at the upcoming meeting. However, Ramaphosa, while speaking to journalists on Tuesday after he announced the date for the National Dialogue on various issues affecting the country, confirmed that he would be meeting Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Ramaphosa said he was invited by Carney, who holds the presidency of the G7, and would also use the opportunity to talk about the G20 Summit to be hosted by South Africa in November, where Trump will take over the presidency. 'We're going to use it as a platform to begin to consolidate what we want to achieve in November when the leaders' summit takes place here (in Johannesburg),' he said. Last month, Ramaphosa and his delegation included Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola. His goals for that meeting included resetting US-SA relations and beginning serious engagement with the US on trade and investment. He emphasised that South Africa did not 'go kowtowing' to the White House but rather took the initiative to engage with the US. 'For us, it's important for us as a nation to reposition ourselves in the very turbulent geopolitical architecture or situation that we have,' Ramaphosa said at the time. Cape Times
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
US apologised for not attending G20 Sherpa meeting, Lamola says
The meeting discussed the unprecedented global turmoil, both geopolitically and economically. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says the United States sent a letter of apology stating that it would not be attending the three-day G20 Sherpa meeting. The meeting, which started on Wednesday in Sun City, North West, discussed the unprecedented global turmoil, both geopolitically and economically. US absent Lamola stated the US could not attend the meeting due to the concurrent North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) Summit in The Hague, which was attended by US President Donald Trump. 'We take that as an apology. We are not concerned. We think that the G20 should be able to function with all the member states that are part of the G20, and they have provided us with an apology. So, we take it at face value, and we think we will be able to come out with very progressive and ambitious outcomes of this meeting.' ALSO READ: Trump changes tune and 'agrees' to participate in G20 Summit, Ramaphosa says Global turmoil Lamola commended the work of the Sherpa for the continuous engagement on various issues, highlighting the growing geopolitical conflict in the world. 'This important meeting, which comes at the midpoint of South Africa's historic G20 Presidency, also coincides with unprecedented global turmoil both geopolitically and geoeconomically'. Lamola said that according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's States of Fragility 2025 Assessment, the number of armed conflicts is at its highest level since the Cold War, with state-based conflicts including proxy wars, civil wars, and coups, ranking as the top global risk for 2025. 'State rivalries are fuelling fragmentation, with economic decoupling, and proxy conflicts undermining global stability. These international competition dynamics are exacerbating fragility in vulnerable regions, while also weakening multilateral institutions that underpin the rules-based international order'. Picture: Dirco SA anti-war Lamola stressed South Africa has adopted an anti-war stance. Following last week's US military strikes in Iran, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, 'At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos'. 'We understood the United Nations' promise 80 years ago: collective security over coercion, the extinguishing of the law of the jungle! Alas, we find ourselves in an evolving global disorder that brings with it many perils for the weak and vulnerable, Lamola said. 'As South Africa, we have adopted an anti-war stance. This is because we know too well that war offers no victors, only victims. Double standards in diplomacy and the paralysis at the UN Security Council have crippled conflict resolution, mediation and peace efforts. These systemic challenges must be addressed to reclaim a global rationality that builds on stability, peace, certainty and sustainability'. Lamola said the world needs more diplomacy and peace, with the UN at its pinnacle. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa calls for dialogue to end Israel-Iran conflict Digital economy The minister also emphasised the digital economy, which undoubtedly continues to develop at a rapid pace, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and deepening inequalities across the globe. 'We must act with purpose to support digital transformation, equitable access to data and infrastructure, and support innovation with a human-centric focus. 'That said, cyber and hybrid warfare coupled with AI-driven threats create asymmetric risks, accelerating conflict escalation and reducing diplomatic windows of opportunity to act,' Lamola said. G20 urged to tackle global challenges Lamola said the G20 can lead in a moment of crisis and can help address the weaknesses of the multilateral system. 'The G20 can ensure that our collective humanity is not abandoned. Our deliberations can no longer be hollow; our shared prosperity now more than ever demands collaboration that pursues solutions that address some of the most pressing global challenges confronting humanity and impacting global growth and development. Lamola said the G20 is 'a persuasive body which holds great influence in the world'. ALSO READ: WATCH G20: Ramaphosa promises to carry on 'good work' done by Brazil
