Latest news with #C20
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's C20 summit: Addressing inequality and unemployment for youth and women
C20 chairperson Thulani Tshefuta addressed the media in Pretoria, discussing South Africa's role in shaping the Civil 20 agenda, prioritising people and the planet in global policy discussions. Image: Supplied/GCIS The Civil 20 (C20) engagement process will prioritise pressing issues like inequality and unemployment affecting women and youth, gathering insights from grassroots communities ahead of the C20 summit, which will pave the way for the G20 summit in South Africa in November. This was highlighted during a Pretoria media briefing on Monday by the C20 South Africa leadership team, which gave an update on preparations to deliver the C20 policy pack before the G20 summit. C20 chairperson Thulani Tshefuta said:'We have taken a conscious decision of making this as the first South African G20 to be less about South Africa but more about Africa as a whole.' The C20, he said, has established structures representing various sectors, including women, disability, youth, health, and education, to shape the G20's processes and ensure diverse perspectives are considered. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He mentioned that the C20 held a mid-term policy dialogue from June 22-24, 2025, in Sandton, which was attended by over 300 people in person and more than 1 800 virtually. He said that the C20 deliberations have thoroughly explored the government's theme, emphasising solidarity, equality, and sustainability. 'Our meaning to the theme is that we have different role players that can play different, but complimentary roles between government and non-government actors. At the very least the volatile geo-political development reflects the vulnerabilities of economies to external shocks, almost instantly finding expression on the daily lives and experiences of the people,' he said. Tshefuta advocated for economically inclusive growth to achieve shared prosperity, emphasising the need to place people at the forefront of economic activities as active participants, contributors, and beneficiaries. He stressed that education and health are crucial public services that should be accessible to all, regardless of social status, and that quality services in these areas should be universally available. He said the approach by governments needs to prioritise job creation and employment opportunities, with a specific focus on addressing youth unemployment. 'There must be a dedicated focus on programmes that will implement youth employment from both government and the private sector. Society must do everything to invest in the lives of young people through education, employment and entrepreneurship and the economy in order for society as a whole to draw the demographic dividend. We can not expect to draw a dividend where we have not made investments,' he said. Leading up to the G20 summit, the organisation will hold provincial consultations in all nine provinces, prioritising grassroots participation and seeking direct input from the people. C20 South Africa Sherpa, Mabalane Mfundisi, announced that the C20 will organise people-to-people engagements through sports and culture, including a soccer match and a large concert with a global appeal in each of the nine provinces. The activities will culminate in a major event on November 15 featuring local artists, and on November 16, a soccer match between a PSL team and a team from another African country, with further details to be announced later. From November 12 to 14, the C20 will hold a consultation meeting, aiming to bring together 3,000 civil society representatives from around the world to discuss and deliberate on the organisation's policy proposals and documents. Mfundisi said the government's theme focuses on solidarity, equality, and sustainability, and the C20 is working through its various working groups to identify actions that contribute to achieving the goals.
The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
C20 Summit in Sandton champions inclusive development and African unity
The first day of the Launch and Mid-Term Policy Dialogue opened with strong momentum, marked by broad-based support and inclusive participation. The event, which served as a platform for reflection, collaboration, and advancing shared priorities on social and economic development across Africa, took place from June 22 to 24 at the Capital Hotel in Sandton. Messages of support were received from Youth 20 (Y20) and Labour 20 (L20), affirming the importance of youth and labour voices in shaping transformative policy within the G20 framework. ALSO READ: Joburg Speaker concludes region D1 Summit as locals Demand Services The dialogue also received endorsement from South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), reinforcing the country's commitment to multilateral engagement and African cooperation. Importantly, the event brought together members of civil society from across the continent. Their presence and contributions grounded the discussions in community realities and citizen-driven solutions. Their active engagement helped ensure that the dialogue reflected a diverse range of perspectives and priorities. As delegates from around the world arrived, the hotel's exterior was transformed into a symbol of unity and purpose. The branding around the venue was bold, inclusive, and rich in symbolism. Young pantsula dancers entertained the audience, underscoring the event's commitment to the G20 principles of equality, global partnership, and a sustainable future. This launch marks a significant milestone for the C20's role in influencing global policy, amplifying the voices of civil society, and ensuring that people and the planet remain at the heart of the G20's agenda. ALSO READ: G20 Summit – the ball gets rolling As discussions unfold, the focus remains clear: to foster inclusive dialogue, champion equity across all nations, and steer global development in a direction that leaves no one behind. The Sandton skyline now stands not just as a financial hub, but as a beacon of global cooperation and civic leadership. June 2025 will formally introduce Civil Society South Africa as a collective movement for social justice and policy advocacy. The event also aims to facilitate dialogue on key socioeconomic and governance issues affecting communities, establish strategic partnerships for sustained impact and community engagement, and develop a roadmap for civil society participation in policy and decision-making processes. In his speech, C20 chairperson Thulani Tshefuta emphasised the need for strategic alignment and a long-term vision. He stated that the work at C20 must align with South Africa's National Development Plan, the Medium-Term Strategic Framework, Agenda 2063 of the African Union, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 'The challenge before us all is to rise above immediate obstacles and focus on these broader, long-term strategic development instruments. Our strategic approach should reflect the fact that while there are 200 of us in this room, many more are following through various other platforms. We must truly act with purpose and unity to advance these shared goals,' said Tshefuta. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
See - Sada Elbalad
03-07-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
South Africa's Tshwane Seeks Tourism-Led Growth Through Global Platforms, Local Innovation
Ahmed Emam The City of Tshwane is positioning itself as a key player in South Africa's tourism industry by leveraging high-profile international forums such as the C20 and G20 to attract global attention, reported by TV BRICS. The move underscores the city's broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and job creation through a vibrant tourism sector. According to local officials, including tourism advocate Sarah Mabotsa, tourism contributed an estimated US\$34 billion to the South African economy in 2024. Tshwane is aligning its efforts with this national priority by highlighting its modern infrastructure, robust hospitality sector, and proven capacity to host international events. A major milestone in this strategy was Tshwane's recent co-hosting of the 2025 Urban20 (U20) meetings alongside Johannesburg. The summit, which drew stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, was held under the theme 'Harnessing Tourism for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities.' Discussions emphasized the role of tourism in promoting equitable urban development. Central to Tshwane's tourism agenda is the promotion of township tourism. Initiatives like the Friends of Toloane in the Toloane Nature Reserve are being spotlighted as models of community-driven economic inclusion. These projects aim to bring tourism benefits to underserved areas while preserving cultural and natural heritage. Tourist safety, a key consideration for many travelers, was also a focal point of the U20 dialogue. Tshwane has recently been named the safest city in South Africa—a status bolstered by declining crime rates across nearly all categories. Officials believe this designation enhances the city's appeal as a secure destination for both domestic and international visitors. By combining strong safety credentials with global outreach and grassroots development, Tshwane is working to establish itself as a leading hub for sustainable and inclusive tourism in South Africa and beyond. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tshwane aims to boost economic growth by showcasing tourism at C20 and G20 meetings
MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, stated that the tourism sector is a crucial part of the South African economy, and the city aims to prioritise this sector to stimulate job creation and economic growth. Image: Supplied / City of Tshwane The City of Tshwane is set to leverage the C20 and G20 meetings in South Africa to showcase its capabilities, hospitality, and infrastructure in hosting international conferences. Member of Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, said the tourism sector is a vital component of the South African economy, and the city aims to boost job creation and economic growth by prioritising this sector. She highlighted the importance of tourism, citing its significant contribution to the country's economy. "In 2024, tourism and travel contributed R618 billion to the South African economy – R117 billion from international visitors and R430 billion from domestic travel spending. Importantly, the sector also provided employment to 1.8 million people in South Africa," she said. The city recently co-hosted the 2025 Urban20 (U20) meetings with the City of Joburg at the CSIR in Pretoria, which brought together tourism stakeholders from across Africa and globally. The theme of the session was "Harnessing Tourism for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities". The meetings, Mabotsa said, offered a platform to explore how tourism can transform cities into more inclusive, resilient, and future-focused hubs. She emphasised that hosting the U20 meetings in Tshwane aligns with the city's focus on growing the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions component of the business tourism sector. 'At the same time, promoting township tourism, an example of which is the activities of the Friends of Toloane, aligns with our economic growth strategy's prioritisation of both the tourism and township economy sectors,' she said. The Friends of Toloane, under its director Thabang Rabotho, promotes environmental awareness and conservation within the Toloane Nature Reserve and has received notable recognition for its efforts. The City of Tshwane is confident that the entity's participation in the C20 and G20 meetings will help to promote its tourism sector and showcase its capabilities to a global audience. Rabotho said: 'Our youth are at the forefront of preserving our natural heritage, using their voices and actions to champion environmental justice in our communities. Through initiatives like the Toloane Youth Water Network, they are proving that young people are not just beneficiaries of change - they are leading it. In them, we see the future of a greener, more just Tshwane.' The issue of safety was also addressed at the U20 meeting, with Mabotsa noting that Tshwane has been recognised as the safest city in South Africa, as reported by the SA Cities Network Safe Cities 2024t. The city, she said, has seen further decreases in nearly all reported crime categories in 2025, as evidenced by the SAPS quarterly report for January to March 2025. Following the meetings, the city organised a trip for delegates to the Union Buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve. The Dinokeng project, a public-private partnership, has generated over 1,000 job opportunities and numerous small businesses that support or benefit from the reserve's tourism activities. Mabotsa promised that the multiparty coalition government will actively showcase Tshwane to the world, encouraging residents to proudly promote the city and encourage friends and family to visit. [email protected]
IOL News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Are South Africa's disability laws truly making a difference?
Sikelelwa Alex Msitshana, founder of the Deaf Empowerment Firm and chairperson of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), highlighted ongoing challenges. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Besides some of the most progressive laws aimed at advancing the interests of the people living with disabilities, South Africa is still lagging when it comes to implementing some of these legislative frameworks. According to Statistics South Africa, persons with severe disabilities experience difficulty in accessing education and employment opportunities, while households headed by persons with disabilities were found to have less access to basic services compared to households headed by persons without disabilities. The statistics also reveal that there are disparities in terms of access to assistive devices across population groups and geography. At the recent C20 South Africa Launch, which has mobilised 14 working groups to generate actionable policy considerations ahead of the G20 Summit, Sikelelwa Alex Msitshana, founder of the Deaf Empowerment Firm and chairperson of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), highlighted ongoing challenges. "We have come together to try and make sure the voice of people with disabilities is heard. People living with disabilities are still lacking in many respects, even though South Africa is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We have wonderful policies that are aimed at protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, but implementation is still lacking. "In all of that, there is a need to address issues faced by people living with disabilities. We are looking at inclusive education. We are saying early childhood development for people with disabilities should be prioritised early enough so that they can receive the care they need and be able to go to school and learn from an early age," she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Msitshana, speaking on the sidelines of the three-day C20 South Africa launch on Monday, also stressed the importance of establishing Early Child Development (ECD) structures for people living with disability, saying this will help bring about an early start to young children with various disabilities, who are sometimes not catered for within the existing education system. "There are issues of employment that are affecting our young people. We are advocating for inclusive employment practices. Far too often, employers are still afraid to employ people living with disabilities and take in young people living with disabilities. This is more a factor of fear than anything. The programmes that we are driving are aimed at sensitising employers that there should not be a problem in employing someone living with a disability," she stated. Her outcry comes just hours after Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, called on civil society organisations represented at the C20 South Africa launch in Sandton to make sure their voices are heard. Letsike, who delivered her message virtually directed at women, children, and persons with disability, said no one should be left behind in ensuring that South Africa's hosting of the G20 Summit later this year is a success. "The disability inclusion stream and all these working streams are not intended to be for a box-ticking exercise as we believe that those closest to the pain must be the closest to power, and the C20 South Africa must bring solutions that bring an integrated response to these communities," the deputy minister said on Tuesday. The Soweto-born activist Msitshana is the founder and managing director of the DEF, a social enterprise which aims to transform the lives of members of the deaf community. This comes after Msitshana lost her hearing in 2015, resulting in her making it her mission to help the deaf community and other minorities access jobs and opportunities. In 2023, the National Assembly amended Section 6 of the Constitution and approved the South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language. Msitshana celebrated, believing that soon the deaf community would experience a shift. However, she believes this policy has not been fully implemented to ensure sign language is taught in South African schools alongside other official languages. "After years of fighting and lobbying, we welcomed the recognition of sign language as an official language, but there has not been any full implementation of this policy to ensure that sign language is taught at schools like all the other official languages. On paper, this is good, but we have not seen its full implementation," she stated.
